The Super Eagleshave officially commenced their preparations in Uyo for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cupqualifiers, with players steadily arriving at the team's camp. The objective is clear: secure maximum points against Rwanda and South Africa to reignite their bid for a spot in the expanded World Cup in North America.

Early arrivals included captain William Troost-Ekong, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, who were among the first to check into the Four Points by Sheraton hotel. The camp later swelled significantly with the arrival of key players such as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, all flying in from Europe.

Wilfred Ndidi, who recently moved to Besiktas, and Brentford's Frank Onyeka also joined the squad, bringing valuable leadership and energy to the midfield. Other notable players who have linked up include Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Felix Agu, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Frederick, and Adebayo Adeleye, bringing the total in camp to 15 players as of Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Nigeria Eye

However, some of Nigeria's biggest names are still expected to report. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Chrisantus Uche are anticipated to arrive in the coming days, with several having been involved in late transfer window activities.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze, fresh off a deadline-day loan move to Fulham, has unequivocally stated his focus is now entirely on national duty. Speaking to Fulham FC TV, Chukwueze emphasized the importance of winning both upcoming games to secure Nigeria’s World Cup ticket. His move reunites him with compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage.

The Super Eagles find themselves in a challenging position, currently sitting fourth in Group D with just one win from six games. Leaders South Africa top the pool on 13 points, with Rwanda and Benin both ahead of Nigeria on eight points. Only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, leaving Eric Chelle's side with no margin for error. The team is scheduled to hold its first official training session on Tuesday at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadiumin Uyo.

Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigerian News

Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 6. Following this crucial home fixture, they will travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa at the Toyota Stadiumon Tuesday, September 9. Coach Eric Chelle's men are under immense pressure to secure back-to-back victories against the Amavubi and Bafana Bafana to revive their qualification hopes.

Meanwhile, South Africa's head coach, Hugo Broos, has stated that his immediate focus is not on Nigeria but on their preceding World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. Broos, whose side currently leads Group D, stressed the importance of winning all upcoming fixtures to avoid dropping points, which could complicate their campaign. South Africa previously played a 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles in June 2024, while Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in March. The stage is set for a pivotal week in Nigeria’s quest for World Cup qualification.