Super Eagles open camp for Rwanda, South Africa as Palace-target Uche gets approval to arrive late

Nigeria’s Super Eagles open camp in Uyo on Monday as preparations intensify for back-to-back 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.

Rwanda are scheduled to touch down in Lagos on Tuesday before heading to Akwa Ibom for their Group C clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Rwanda’s travel plans, with an advance delegate arriving Monday before the main party lands in Lagos at 1:15 pm on Tuesday aboard Rwanda Airlines, then connecting to Uyo later the same day.

Thanks to a Victor Osimhen brace, the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the reverse fixture in Kigali back in March and will target a repeat performance in Uyo on Saturday.

Nigeria then travel to Bloemfontein to face group leaders South Africa three days later.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

The qualifiers have reached a critical stage.

After six matches, the Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing South Africa by six. Rwanda and Benin are level on eight points each, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe remain within touching distance. Victory against Rwanda is non-negotiable if Nigeria are to close the gap on Bafana Bafana.

Head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed his 23-man squad. Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, captain William Troost-Ekong, Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman headline the list.

However the Super Eagles' preparations will kick off without Christantus Uche with the Getafe midfielder expected to have a delayed arrival.

The Nigeria international reportedly secured Chelle’s permission to report late to camp as he finalises a Premier League move.

Uche had rejected Wolves earlier in August but over the weekend agreed to join Crystal Palace after talks with Getafe’s president and a direct call from manager Oliver Glasner. He is due to complete a medical in London before flying to Nigeria to link up with his teammates.

Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare could also face similar issues as the two attackers are also in England ahead of possible transfers to Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

With only four matches left in the campaign, Nigeria can afford no further slipups.

After September's games against Rwanda and South Africa, the Super Eagles will close their World Cup qualifying campaign with fixtures against Lesotho away and Benin Republic at home in October.