Nigeria’s push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a crucial phase next month, with the Super Eagles preparing for back-to-back qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that camp will officially open on Monday, 1 September in Uyo, giving head coach Eric Chelle five days to prepare his side before facing Rwanda on 6 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Three days later, the team will travel to Bloemfontein to take on group leaders South Africa at the Free State Stadium.
It is a defining moment for the Eagles, who have endured a rocky qualifying campaign. The three-time African champions currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six games – a record that includes just one win, three draws and a costly defeat to Benin Republic. South Africa top the standings on 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin are locked on eight. Lesotho and Zimbabwe complete the table with six and four points respectively.
With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Nigeria face the daunting task of winning consistently while hoping rivals stumble.
Chelle is yet to release his squad list for the September double-header, though it is expected shortly.
For now, his attention remains on winding down Nigeria’s campaign at the African Nations Championship in Tanzania, before turning fully to the World Cup qualifiers.