The Super Eagles step onto the turf of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo this evening knowing only victory will keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive. Their opponents, the Wasps of Rwanda, arrive with confidence and momentum, setting the stage for a tense and decisive clash.
Nigeria’s campaign has been rocky. The three-time African champions sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
Rwanda, however, are second on eight points and eyeing qualification history of their own. For Nigeria, the stakes are clear: defeat would almost certainly end their hopes of reaching the tournament in North America.
The scars of missing the 2022 World Cup after falling to Ghana in a playoff still haunt Nigerian fans. This time, Coach Eric Chelle’s men have struggled again, with just one win, four draws, and a defeat so far. Their last outing – a 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Zimbabwe in June – left fans furious and doubts rising.
Yet Chelle remains defiant: “People have already written us off. But I am not bothered. I am preparing my players for the remaining four matches. We are going to surprise a lot of people.”
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon admits pressure is mounting but insists the players know what is at stake: “We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we just want the three points. This is the moment to give everything we have.”
For Rwanda, coach Adel Amrouche believes his side can shock Nigeria again, recalling their famous 2-1 win in Uyo during the AFCON qualifiers last November: “We already won here last year, and it’s a huge confidence boost. Nigeria have star players, but football is not about names. I know the secret of beating Nigeria.”
The Wasps boast a disciplined record – four goals scored and four conceded in six matches – showing they can frustrate opponents.
Nigeria will count on the firepower of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, all present in Uyo after joining full training midweek.
Rwanda also arrived with a complete 24-man squad and have been acclimatizing at the same venue since Wednesday.
Elsewhere in the group, South Africa tightened their grip at the top after a 3-0 demolition of Lesotho on Friday, stretching their lead to 16 points.
That result makes tonight’s match even more crucial: Nigeria must win to stay in contention before facing South Africa away on Tuesday, while Rwanda meet Zimbabwe in Johannesburg.
The countdown is over. Uyo awaits a battle of survival – for Nigeria, it is win or bust.
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