The Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle the Wasps of Rwanda in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, today (Saturday). Both sides are under pressure to secure maximum points as the race for qualification intensifies.
Nigeria’s Uphill Task
Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with just seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. Rwanda, meanwhile, are in second place on eight points, tied with Benin Republic.
The three-time African champions face the grim possibility of missing a second straight World Cup, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition after a playoff defeat to Ghana.
Head coach Eric Chelle has endured a difficult start, managing only one victory in his first six qualifiers a 2-0 away win against Rwanda in the reverse fixture. However, his team’s momentum quickly stalled after a 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe in June.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle told UK-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. “I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
Players Ready for Battle
Winger Moses Simon admitted that the team’s performances have been below expectations but insisted the Super Eagles have no excuses.
“We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we just want to win,” Simon told ESPN. “There is no time for excuses. We just need to give everything that we can.”
Nigeria’s 23-man squad has been in full training since Wednesday, with star names such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman all expected to start.
Rwanda also arrived in Uyo with a 24-man squad and have been training at the match venue since midweek.
Rwanda’s coach Adel Amrouche is optimistic despite their earlier defeat to Nigeria. He drew confidence from the Wasps’ 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in Uyo during the AFCON qualifiers last year.
“We already won here last year, and it’s a huge confidence boost going into the game tomorrow,” Amrouche told Own Goal Nigeria.
“I know Nigeria have star players who are respected and feared in Europe, but this is about a game, and I have the secret of beating Nigeria.”
The Wasps have been resilient in their qualifiers so far, scoring just four goals and conceding four, with their disciplined defence proving difficult to break down.
South Africa strengthened their grip on Group C with a 3-0 win over Lesotho in Bloemfontein on Friday, moving to 16 points. That result increases the pressure on Nigeria, who now need a winning streak to remain in contention.
After today’s clash, the Super Eagles will travel to Bloemfontein for a showdown against South Africa on Tuesday, while Rwanda face Zimbabwe on neutral ground in Johannesburg.
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