Rwanda Awaits FIFA Clearance on Ex-Lobi Stars Striker Elijah Ani.
Rwanda’s head coach, Thorsten Frank Spittler, has revealed that the national team is awaiting FIFA’s approval to allow former Lobi Stars and current Bugesera FC striker Elijah Ani to play for the Amavubi in the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho. This development was reported by BSNSports.
Spittler praised Ani as an exceptional player and a commendable individual who could significantly boost the team’s performance. He mentioned that the Rwanda Football Association is in communication with FIFA, hoping that recent amendments to the laws governing players’ nationality switches, made in April, will work in Ani’s favor.
“Ani is a talented footballer and a great personality. Our federation is liaising with FIFA to see if it is possible for him to join the team for the next World Cup qualifiers,” Spittler told the press.
Ani has already been called to the Rwandan camp and is currently training with the team to ensure he is prepared for the qualifiers if the clearance is granted. Spittler is optimistic about a positive outcome and hopes to use Ani in the crucial matches against Benin and Lesotho.
“We called him to camp, and he is training with us to ensure he is ready for the upcoming qualifiers once the clearance comes through. Some of the FIFA rules on nationality switches changed last month, and I am positive he will be cleared. I want to use him against Benin and Lesotho, which is why he is still with us,” Spittler added.
Spittler also explained that he and his technical team have been scouting talent across various league centers in the country and unanimously agreed on Ani’s potential to contribute to the national team.
“As the coaching staff, we watched games at all the venues to scout talented players who could help our team, and we all agreed 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.
The Rwandan team is hopeful that Ani’s inclusion will strengthen their squad as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
