The Super Eagles return to Godswill Akpabio International Stadium this Saturday evening to host Rwanda in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. With their campaign on thin ice, a win is imperative to keep Nigeria’s hopes alive.
Following match-day seven in Group C, South Africa seized control of the group, bolstered by goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis. The Bafana Bafana now sit atop the group with 16 points—five ahead of second-placed Benin, who are level on 11 points with Rwanda. Nigeria trails in fourth place with just seven points.
This showdown is a make-or-break moment for the Super Eagles. Head coach Eric Chelle appears to be fielding his most competitive side, with captain William Troost-Ekong likely to partner Calvin Bassey in central defence. Ademola Lookman is tipped to be drafted into the attacking line-up, despite his limited playing time this season.
Notably absent from the squad are Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Probable starting XI: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Osayi-Samuel, Bassey; Ndidi; Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon, Lookman; Osimhen.
Amid swirling speculation over potential sanctions for South Africa—stemming from an unauthorized appearance by Teboho Mokoena in their recent match—the Super Eagles captain urged his team to remain grounded.
“I don’t think we want to look at what other teams are doing. I think our focus remains on playing our game,” said William Troost-Ekong. “There’s still some question marks … but that’s not something I want to think about. I am not even thinking about any other team but Rwanda for tomorrow, so we want to focus on what we can control…”
Former Eagles defender Efe Sodje expressed confidence that Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 World Cup is far from over, despite their precarious position in Group C.
“Yes, we are in a bad situation at the moment but I’ve always had that belief and confidence that we would always get there,” Sodje told NFF TV, just hours before Nigeria’s match against Rwanda begins at 5 p.m. local time.
