The camp of the Nigeria National team has welcomed all the 23 invited players to represent the Super Eagles in their ongoing 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign amid preparations to lock horns against Rwanda and South Africa in the 7th and 8th round.
The three-time African best player and Galatasaray new signing Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Raphael Onyedika, and Christantus Uche were the remaining set of players to complete the pack upon their arrival on Wednesday afternoon.
While the Super Eagles hosts Rwanda for their first clash at Godwin Akpabio Stadium on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, the team will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, six days later at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa, for their second tie.
Recall that the Super Eagles currently sit at the bottom of the table in Group C, with seven points—after recording a single victory, four draws, and one defeat during their first-seven games.
The team is now at risk of missing two consecutive World Cup tournaments, with a clear gap of six points behind their group leader South Africa, after they failed to secure their spot in the 2022 edition, held at Qatar.
‘We Have Already Written Off’—Super Eagles Head Coach
Despite the challenging circumstances, Eric Chelle, the manager of the Super Eagles, remained confident that the team can qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as he strongly believes his men will surprise many people in their upcoming qualifying matches.
The Nigerian current manager was appointed in January 2025 in a bid to rescue Nigeria’s shrinking 2026 World Cup campaign, after dismissing the former boss Jose Peseiro due to poor performances. Chelle has managed two of the team’s six qualifiers so far, securing a 2-0 victory in his first match against Rwanda, and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, while his predecessors, Jose Peseiro and Finidi George, each handled two games without a win.
Speaking to the United Kingdom-based Journalist Osasu Obayiuana, Chelle said, “People have already written us off. But I am not disturbed by that.”
”I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches that we have. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
Super Eagles Players With Perfect League Opener
While the Super Eagles team is at risk of sinking in the ongoing campaign, the 26-year-old Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen, enjoyed a wonderful form in the league opener for the Turkish champions Galatasary, scoring two goals in their three matches.
His impact on the team is not limited to goals; he helps the team to strengthen their defense, and skillfully pressures opponents, as he constantly presses them to regain possession for his team.
Also, the 28-year-old Nigerian defender Ola Aina, has been instrumental for the English side Nottingham Forest, during their Premier League openers. Aina has delivered an impressive performance in both defense and attack, as his side sit comfortably in the top of the second table.