2026 WCQ: Rwanda Awaits FIFA Clearance On Ex-Lobi Stars Striker

2026 WCQ: Rwanda Awaits FIFA Clearance On Ex-Lobi Stars Striker

Ibrahim Lateef

Rwanda's head coach, Thorsten Frank Spittler, has stated that they are awaiting approval from FIFA to allow former Lobi Stars now Bugesera FC striker Elijah Ani to play for Amavubi in the upcoming June World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The Amavubi tactician hailed the Nigeria Premier Football League striker, as an excellent player and a nice person who can help his team to greater heights, revealing that Rwanda FA is waiting for a feedback from FIFA feedback and he is optimistic laws governing player's nationality switch amended in April could stand in the player’s favor to play for Amavubi.

"Ani is a talented footballer and a great personality. Our federation is liaising with FIFA if it is possible for him to be in the team for the next World Cup qualifiers," Spittler told the press.

"We called him to camp and he is training with us to ensure that he gets ready to play upcoming qualifiers once the clearance comes out positive. Some of the FIFA rules on nationality switch changed last month and I am positive he will be cleared. I want to use him against Benin and Lesotho if he is cleared, that is why he is still with us," he added.

Spittler explained that he and his technical team watched games at various league centers across the country to spot Ani.

"As the coaching staff, we watched games at all the venues to scout talented players who could help our team and we all came to agree on him. We talked to him and he was also ready and happy to feature for the national team. Now the final decision rests in FIFA’s hands," he said.