Midfielder Olivier Niyonzima may not be available for selection in Rwanda's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa in November.

The Kiyovu Sports skipper suffered a serious injury during club's 3-1 defeat to Police FC at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday, October 20, in the Primus National League.

The gangling defensive midfielder was not able to continue the match as he was taken straight to the hospital at half time following challenge from Muhadjiri Hakizimana.

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"It is the nastiest injury I have ever seen in my life. Olivier had a 10 centimetres deep cut and he had to be rushed to hospital,” Kiyovu head coach Petros Koukouras said in a post-match-interview.

"The referee saw the incident as fair play but it is a very serious cut and he will need some stitches. It will take quite some time for him to recover," he added.

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The former AS Kigali star has been influential in the midfield for Kiyovu and his injury became a big blow for the team as his absence coast them the game.

His absence could also be a big blow to the Amavubi team which will have to do without him when they take on Zimbabwe on November 20 before facing South Africa a week later.