2026 WCQ: Super Eagles’ Camp Bubbles As 15 Players Train

The Super Eagles’ camp has come alive ahead of Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown against Rwanda, with 15 players at the training camp in Uyo yesterday.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika were the early arrivals at the team’s Four Points by Sheraton Hotel base on Monday, before dependable forward Simon Moses, who scored a goal and provided an assist in Paris FC’s league victory at the weekend, joined them in camp.

Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, as well as wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Alex Iwobi have also arrived.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielder Christantus Uche, forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers as well as trio of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and midfielder Raphael Onyedika are also being expected yesterday night.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has expressed unwavering confidence in the team’s ability to secure victory in both matches against Rwanda and South Africa respectively. .

Speaking to journalists at the 2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Awards ceremony held in Abuja yesterday, Sanusi stated that he has no doubts regarding the team’s preparation and motivation. He expressed his belief that divine assistance will guide the Super Eagles to triumph.

“I have no fears whatsoever. The team is fully prepared, and I believe that God will support us to win both matches. I am confident in our arrangements and the team’s performance, and the Nigerian media are firmly behind us,” Sanusi declared.

He further noted that the accomplishments of Nigerian players in the recent European summer transfer window have instilled a sense of apprehension in the camps of both Rwanda and South Africa.

“The movement of Nigerian players in the transfer window demonstrates their success in their clubs and highlights their desirability in the market. This has undoubtedly created concerns for the teams from Rwanda and South Africa,” he added.

Currently, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six points, with four matches remaining. Rwanda and Benin Republic occupy the second and third positions with eight points each.

Despite a challenging start to the qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles still hold a slim chance of securing the group’s sole ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. To advance, Nigeria must win all remaining four matches and rely on favourable outcomes in other group fixtures.

The Super Eagles are set to host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a pivotal match three days later.