The Super Eagles will be in action on Saturday as they take on Rwanda’s Wasps in a make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Both sides are desperate for maximum points as the race for qualification heats up in Group C.
Nigeria currently sit fourth in the group with seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. Rwanda, on the other hand, occupy second place on eight points, level with Benin Republic.
The three-time African champions are under pressure to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, when they lost to Ghana in the playoff. Under head coach Eric Chelle, the Eagles have endured a difficult campaign so far, winning just once in six matches, alongside four draws and one defeat. Their most recent outing ended in a disappointing 1-1 home draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in June.
Despite the poor run, Chelle remains optimistic. “People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that. I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people,” the Malian tactician told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
Chelle’s reign began on a bright note with a 2-0 away win over Rwanda in the reverse fixture, but momentum was quickly stalled by the Zimbabwe stalemate.
Super Eagles forward Moses Simon also admitted the team’s shortcomings but stressed the importance of victory. “We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we just want to win. Everyone must give everything now, there is no time for excuses,” Simon told ESPN.
Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche, however, is confident his side can upset the Eagles in Uyo, recalling their 2-1 victory at the same venue during the AFCON qualifiers last November. “We already won here last year, and it’s a huge confidence boost. Nigeria have respected stars in Europe, but this is football and I know the secret of beating them,” Amrouche told Own Goal Nigeria.
The Wasps have recorded two wins, two draws and two losses from their six qualifiers, boasting a disciplined defence that has conceded just four goals—the same number they have scored.
Nigeria’s camp is now at full strength with all 23 invited players training together since Wednesday. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to spearhead the attack, while William Troost-Ekong leads from the back. Rwanda also arrived with a full 24-man squad and have been training at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium since midweek.
South Africa tightened their grip on top spot on Friday with a 3-0 thrashing of Lesotho in Bloemfontein, extending their lead to 16 points and making Nigeria’s qualification hopes even more precarious.
After Saturday’s clash, the Eagles will fly to Bloemfontein for a decisive encounter against group leaders South Africa on Tuesday, while Rwanda head to Johannesburg for their next fixture against Zimbabwe.
