World Cup 2026: Super Eagles Hit Full Strength Ahead of Rwanda Showdown

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By Johnson Folarin

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have hit full strength in Uyo as preparations intensify for Saturday’s make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

By Wednesday evening, all 23 invited players including Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and forward Tolu Arokodare — had joined camp in Akwa Ibom State, giving Coach Eric Chelle a full complement of his squad.

The team wasted no time, opening training on Tuesday with tactical drills, set-piece routines, and ball movement exercises. On Wednesday, sessions continued at high intensity as the coaching crew fine-tuned strategies for the crucial clash.

Must-Win Games Ahead

The Super Eagles face Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday before jetting out to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to lock horns with Bafana Bafana three days later.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang by a thread. They currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, behind leaders South Africa (10 points), Benin Republic (8 points), and Rwanda (8 points).

However, the standings could yet shift. News Alert reports that South Africa face the risk of losing three points after allegedly fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a qualifier against Lesotho.

History at Stake

Failure to secure qualification would deal Nigeria a historic blow. The Super Eagles missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and another absence would mark the first time since their 1994 debut that they fail to reach back-to-back editions of the global showpiece.

With the pressure on, Saturday’s tie in Uyo is not just another qualifier , it is a battle to keep Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive.