Nigeria’s Super Eagles are setting their sights squarely on their immediate challenge: an upcoming clash with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on Saturday. Team captainWilliam Ekongemphasized the importance of a step-by-step approach, stating, “You take one step at a time. We have Rwanda to play on Saturday, and there are three points there. After that is concluded, then we begin to think of South Africa.”

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, marking Matchday 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following the Matchday 7 encounter with Rwanda. This cautious approach echoes past lessons, specifically the 1998 FIFA World Cup where Nigeria's premature focus on a potential quarter-final against Brazil reportedly led to a surprising defeat.

Despite a challenging start to their current campaign, having failed to win any of their first four matches, Ekong conveyed the squad’s unwavering determination. He expressed confidence that securing maximum points from their remaining fixtures would be enough to clinch Nigeria’s spot at the 48-nation finals in North America.

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Echoing this sentiment, Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem underscored the team’s “winning mentality.” He asserted, “The only mindset we have is the winning mentality. It’s not going to be easy, two difficult games, but we are Nigerians, we know the spirit that we have. We never back down, we go for it and I believe Nigerians should expect a team that is going to go all out to win the game. We are going to give everything. We are here right now to perform and get six points.”

Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, returning to the squad after missing the2023 Africa Cup of Nations, also declared the players' commitment to securing maximum points against Rwanda. He stressed the critical nature of the match, especially after a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in their last home fixture. “We are ready for Rwanda, they must fall. Everybody is ready for the game. We know what’s at stake, and we can’t play with this opportunity,” Adeleye told reporters in Uyo. Nigeria must secure a victory against Adel Amrouche’s side to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive for the tournament to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.

The Super Eagles camp reached full capacity with the recent arrivals of key players. Midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Christantus Uche, along with forwards Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Tolu Arokodare, have all joined the team. Nigerian football star Alex Iwobi, currently playing for Fulham, praised the qualities of new Super Eagles additions Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredrick after observing them in a training session.

He emphasized his role in helping them integrate, stating, “My job is to make Fredrick and Agu feel welcome and at home. Give them the confidence to come and showcase their talent.” These new arrivals and the collective determination highlight the team's unified front as they prepare for these pivotal matches.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, are also gearing up for significant international competition. They are set to resume camp in Abuja on Sunday in preparation for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco, scheduled from October 17th to November 8th. Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited a total of 30 players to the camp, comprising four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders, and nine strikers. The Flamingos, who earned bronze medals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup,secured their qualification for the inaugural 24-team U17 Women’s World Cup after impressive victories against South Africa and Algeria.

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The upcoming global tournament will be hosted across four venues in two Moroccan cities: Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sport Complex, Al Barid Stadium, and Mohamed VI Football Academy. The invited squad members include goalkeepers Elizabeth Boniface, Onyinyechi Opara, Abigail Nmecha, and Sylva Echefu. Defenders are Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Azeezat Oduntan, Christiana Sunday, Ufuoma Lucky, Choice Ovwighovwiroro, Maryjane Ikeche, Blessed Isigbo, and Grace Ufot.

The midfield features Shakirat Moshood, Muinat Rotimi, Fatimah Shuaib, Waliat Rotimi, Taiwo Lukman, Esther Lasisi, Precious Nkwocha, Gift Anekan, and Ayomide Abubakar. The forward line includes Kaosara Olanrewaju, Kindness Ifeanyi, Queen Joseph, Shavih Istifanus, Tabitha Terlumu, Destiny Itodore, Chisom Nwachukwu, and Nofisat Tijani. The team is expected to commence intensive preparations in Abuja with aspirations of making a significant impact at the global championship.