Preparations for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are underway in Uyo, with captain William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, and Bruno Onyemaechi are the early arrivals in camp on Monday.
The Super Eagles face back-to-back Group C encounters, starting with Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, before traveling to Bloemfontein for a clash against group leaders South Africa three days later.
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Rwanda will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon, before connecting to Uyo later the same day.
An advance delegation had already touched down on Monday to finalize logistics.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the reverse fixture in Kigali back in March, thanks to a Victor Osimhen brace, and will be hoping for a repeat performance to revive their qualification hopes.
After six matches, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with seven points, six behind leaders South Africa. Rwanda and Benin both have eight points, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe remain close enough to cause further complications.
Victory over Rwanda is seen as non-negotiable for the Super Eagles if they are to close the gap.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad, with Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, captain Troost-Ekong, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman among the key inclusions.
However, the squad opened camp without midfielder Christantus Uche, who is expected to arrive late as he finalizes a Premier League move.
Uche recently rejected an offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers but has agreed to join Crystal Palace after direct talks with Getafe’s president and manager Oliver Glasner. He is set to complete a medical in London before joining the national team.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare may also face delayed arrivals, as both are currently in England negotiating potential transfers to Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.
With just four matches remaining in the qualifiers, Nigeria’s margin for error has vanished.
Following the September fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa, the Eagles will conclude their campaign with an away trip to Lesotho and a home clash with Benin Republic in October.
