For APR FC, Rwanda's reigning champions, the match is part of their pre-season schedule ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The army side kicked off their warm-up games with a strong performance, defeating Gasogi United 4-1 in Shyorongi on Sunday.
For Nigeria, the encounter serves as a critical part of their build-up to the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The CHAN tournament features only players competing in their national domestic leagues and will run from August 2 to 30, co-hosted by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Nigeria's CHAN team will head to Zanzibar after the Kigali fixture to compete in Group D, where they are drawn alongside Senegal, Congo, and Sudan.
APR FC, meanwhile, has lined up more friendlies as part of their international preseason schedule. The club is confirmed to play Tanzanian powerhouses Simba SC and Azam FC in mid-August.
Discussions are also ongoing with South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs, raising the possibility of another top-tier clash.
Before meeting Nigeria, APR will be back in action on Tuesday, July 22, in a friendly against Gorilla FC.
As Rwanda's representatives in the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League, APR FC hopes to break new ground this season.
IGIHE
