Hot SourceWith just a win from six matches, the Super Eagles of Nigeria precariously sit fourth in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifier log with seven points, nine points behind group leaders, South Africa. In spite of the perilous situation the three-time African champions find itself, the team still stands a chance of qualifying automatically for next year’s Mundial, provided it can win its four remaining matches in the group and hoping that the world football governing body, FIFA, would justifiably deduct three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 defeat of Lesotho in one of the group stage matches. Ahead of today’s showdown against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria must get the job done or may kiss any chance of hoisting her flag at the Mundial goodbye, Kunle Adewale writes
Ahead of their revival encounters against Rwanda today and South Africa on Tuesday, the Super Eagles camp opened on Monday in Uyo for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
The Super Eagles will today face the Amavubi of Rwanda in a must-win clash before a trip to Bloemfontein to take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Tuesday
After six matches, the Super Eagles are fourth in their qualifying Group C with seven points, nine points behind South Africa, who lead the group with 16points.
Benin Republic are second in the pool with eleven points, Rwanda are third with eight points , followed by Lesotho with six points, while Zimbabwe are bottom of the table on four points.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon has said the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations silver medal team has no excuse for the series of poor performances it has recorded so far.
With only the group winners guaranteed a spot at the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria must win their four remaining matches to have a realistic shot at qualifying.
Simon, one of the more senior players in the team, says there can be no excuses. “We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we don’t care, we just want to win,” Simon said to ESPN.
He added that every player would need to take more responsibility and be prepared to speak up and do whatever it takes to qualify for the World Cup: “If you know anything you can do to make us win, do it.
Simon says anyone on the pitch needs to make an effort to score goals in Nigeria’s battle to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup: “A defender can score, a midfielder can score, even a striker can score. We just need to do it collectively.”
The Super Eagles were expected to dominate the group consisting of the likes of Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin Republic and South Africa, but started off poorly and have seen things go downhill from there, with a qualifying campaign disrupted by managerial changes, with José Peseiro, Finidi George, and new coach Eric Sekou Chelle each taking charge of matches in the series.
“I cannot say or point finger on someone because there are a lot of stuff going on,” Simon said, reflecting on what exactly it was that had shaped the disappointing run so far.
“You can see how many coaches played the qualifiers. First, it was Peseiro, then after Finidi, and after a new coach again, and we know every coach has their own tactics.”
Despite the odds being stacked so highly against the team, Simon remains confident the Super Eagles can qualify for the World Cup: “My confidence level is high because we have it in us to qualify. In terms of the spirit, everything is high and myself, I have the belief and dream to be there. As a team, we are ready to work and to encourage the young ones also, we need to work together. We have to get the job done because this is our opportunity and we can’t miss it.”
Interestingly, Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has spoken highly of the team’s mentality and awareness ahead of the Rwanda and South Africa showdown.
He acknowledged the importance of the remaining four games, beginning with today’s date against Rwanda.
“The boys are very focused. We are looking forward to the game on Saturday, (today)” Troost-Ekong told NFF TV.
“Now it’s going to be an important set of games for us beginning from Saturday. We know the gravity of these games and we will focus on preparation.
“The boys are very focused. We are looking forward to the game on Saturday,” he said.
“Now it’s going to be an important set of games for us beginning from Saturday. We know the gravity of these games and we will focus on preparation.”
Indeed, Wilfred Ndidi demanded that the players should focus on the clash against Rwanda before turning their attention to the heavyweight encounter against South Africa.
He said: “We are not looking at the game against South Africa yet, because the game against Rwanda is the most important one in our hands right now, and we can’t let it slip.
“If we let it slip, it’s finished. If we let the Rwanda game slip, there’s nothing like rivalry in South Africa. We have to win the game against Rwanda first, then we focus on the game against South Africa.”
Similarly, Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi said the players are excited, and looking forward to securing a vital victory for Nigeria against Rwanda.
He said: “The mood is good in camp. Everyone is feeling good and optimistic. We are all looking forward to the game.
“We are excited to play our first game against Rwanda. Hopefully we can prepare well and get the result we want.
”After that, we can think about the game against South Africa which is also very important.”
In the same vein, Lazio star, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, has revealed that the team will not give up on their World Cup dreams following their poor start to the qualifiers.
He said: “I think all the players, the coaching staff and all the fans, we all have the same expectations for these upcoming games, which is to win the games (against Rwanda, and South Africa).“We are in a difficult situation now. Nine points off the top. But I think everyone knows what we need to do and that’s what we are going to work towards.
“The squad is complete, I think, then the work really starts. And I’m confident we’ll get the job done.”
Super Eagles will on Tuesday confront South Africa, with their last two games billed for October against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home).
Super Eagles Roll Call
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali
Amas Obasogie
Adeleye Adebayo
Defenders
William Ekong
Calvin Bassey
Ola Aina
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bruno Onyemaechi
Chidozie Awaziem
Felix Agu
Benjamin Fredericks
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi
Frank Onyeka
Wilfred Ndidi
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Raphael Onyedika
Christantus Uche
Forwards
Victor Osimhen
Ademola Lookman
Samuel Chukwueze
Simon Moses
Cyriel Dessers
Tolu Arokodare
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