Rwanda and APR striker Elias Uzamukunda faces a big challenge as he battles with three other African players for a possible deal at French Ligue 1 club, Nantes.

According to the player’s agent, Emmeuble Twahirwa, Uzamukunda is on the verge of passing the trials at the struggling club but his fate will only be decided over the weekend.

"Right now, he is training with the rest of the first team. He has proved his endurance rate and word I’m getting from Nantes officials is that he has impressed them,” Twahirwa said.

Being a left-footed striker, Nantes are impressed in Rwanda’s U-20 forward but he must first meet several conditions to be able to achieve his imperative dream of playing professional football in Europe.

The APR striker is among four African players who are on trials at Nantes, out of which only two will be offered deals to play for the French club.

The three African whose identities are unknown, are from Mali, Senegal and Cape Verde but the Rwandan international Uzamukunda is being tipped to win that initial battle thanks to his proficient left-foot.

Uzamukunda was accompanied by team mates Haruna Niyonzima, Jean Mugiraneza but the latter returned home after their trial at Le Havre.

While Uzamukunda is expected back to Kigali on March 19 to join the Amavubi Stars camp in their preparations for the 2010 World/Africa Nations’ Cup qualifier against Algeria on March 28 in Kigali.

Nantes are currently placed on 16th position with 29 points in 27 matches played in the French Ligue 1.

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