Beating Rwanda and South Africa may not even be enough for Nigeria to qualify for the Mundial after a mediocre start to the campaign
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru insists Nigeria are still capable of turning around their stuttering World Cup qualifying campaign as the Super Eagles prepare for back-to-back games against Rwanda and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria have managed just one win in six matches in Group C, leaving their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt.
Eric Chelle’s side sit fourth on seven points, six adrift of leaders South Africa, who have taken control of the group with 13 points. Only the winners are guaranteed a ticket to the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Dele-Bashiru, one of 18 players already in camp ahead of Saturday’s clash with Rwanda in Uyo, is adamant that the Super Eagles can claw their way back.
What did Dele-Bashiru say of Nigeria’s World Cup chances?
“I think all the players, the coaching staff and all the fans, we all have the same expectations for these upcoming World Cup games of the World Cup qualifiers. And that's to win the games,” the Manchester City academy graduate told Nigerian journalist Victor Ademola.
“We are in a difficult situation now. Seven points (editor's note: six points) off the top. But I think everyone knows what we need to do and that's what we are going to work towards. We've got a few more players coming today. So once the squad is complete, I think, then the work really starts. And I'm confident we'll get the job done.”
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Nigeria’s preparations have been far from smooth. Victor Osimhen and four other key players are still expected to arrive, with just days to go before kickoff at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. After that, the squad will fly to Bloemfontein for Tuesday’s must-win clash against South Africa.
Of the 23 players invited, only William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi and Chidozie Awaziem have previously appeared at a World Cup, both featuring at Russia 2018. The Super Eagles missed the 2022 edition, and for Dele-Bashiru, qualification this time would be monumental.
“The World Cup, that's the biggest stage for a footballer in your career, especially playing for your country,” Dele-Bashiru added.
“It will be a very massive moment for not just me, I'm sure, all the players here. It will be a massive moment for all the staff and all the fans. So, yeah, that's what we are working towards. God willing, we will win the next two World Cup qualifying games and then after that, we'll take it from there.”
With Nigeria’s margin for error gone, victory over Rwanda and South Africa is the only way to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
