Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hanging by a thread as the Super Eagles prepare for must-win encounters against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the upcoming qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles will take on Group C leaders Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo four days later.
Why are these must-win games for Nigeria?
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, Nigeria’s hopes of making the 2026 tournament are in serious jeopardy.
The Super Eagles sit fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches, leaving them at risk of missing consecutive World Cups for the first time since 2006.
Nigeria’s campaign started with uninspiring 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe before another stalemate with South Africa. A damaging 2-1 defeat to Benin further compounded their woes.
As things stand, Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin are tied at the top with seven points each, while Lesotho follow with five. Nigeria, with just three points, and Zimbabwe, with two, occupy the last two spots.
With only the group winners earning an automatic World Cup ticket, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points from their next two fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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Nigeria: New coach, fresh hope?
In a bid to turn Nigeria’s fortunes around, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
Official! Eric Chelle is @NGSuperEagles 37th manager #soarsupereagles #naija4thewin #letsdoitagain #ericchelle pic.twitter.com/U9ZcwLDx1q
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 13, 2025
The Franco-Malian tactician, who guided Mali to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year, is optimistic about leading Nigeria’s resurgence.
Last week, Chelle named a 39-man provisional squad, from which he will select 23 players for the Rwanda and Zimbabwe matches. According to reports in the local media, the final squad list is expected to be released on Tuesday.
When will the Super Eagles open camp?
Chelle’s final squad announcement is imminent, with the team expected to set up camp in Rwanda ahead of the crucial clash with the Wasps.
An advance party of NFF officials and coaching staff will depart Nigeria for Kigali on Friday, March 15. The Super Eagles camp will officially open on Sunday, March 16.
Only 7 days until camp opens⌛️ pic.twitter.com/Kw6cCQZneU
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 9, 2025
The FIFA international window runs from March 17 to 25, meaning some Nigerian players will arrive in Kigali on Sunday night, with the bulk of the squad expected on Monday and Tuesday.
Chelle will have just three full days to prepare his team before the high-stakes showdown against Rwanda on March 21.
Nigeria’s struggles in Kigali
The Super Eagles have never won in Rwanda, drawing all three previous encounters on Rwandan soil.
Their first-ever visit in a World Cup qualifier in 2005 ended 1-1, while their two most recent trips—AFCON qualifiers in 2012 and 2024—both ended goalless. Nigeria’s only goal in Rwanda came from former Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins in 2005.
Chelle and his men must be wary of Rwanda’s threat, especially after the Wasps stunned Nigeria with a 2-1 victory in Uyo last year.
The Super Eagles have no margin for error. Anything short of six points from these fixtures could spell the end of their World Cup dreams.
