Pros jet in as Amavubi enter camp ahead of Libya, Nigeria qualifiers

Kigali, Rwanda

Twelve foreign-based players have arrived in the country to boost the national football team, Amavubi, ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya and Nigeria.

The players who jetted in on Sunday include captain Haruna Niyonzima, Djihad Bizimana, Salomon Nirisarike, Ally Niyonzima, Emery Bayisenge, Rafael York, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Yves Mugunga, Vincent Paul Ishimwe, Lague Byiringiro, Jean Bosco Uwiringiyimana and Meddie Kagere.

The team is expected to start residential training on Monday at the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) headquarters in Kigali, under the guidance of head coach Carlos Alos Ferrer.

Amavubi will face Libya in the first leg of the qualifiers on March 23 in Benghazi, before hosting the North Africans in the return leg on March 29 at the Kigali Stadium.

They will then travel to Nigeria for the first leg of the qualifiers against the Super Eagles on June 9, before hosting the West Africans in the return leg on June 13 at the Kigali Stadium.

The overall winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ivory Coast.