Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take centre stage next month as the Super Eagles prepare for decisive fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the national team camp will officially open on Monday, 1 September in Uyo.
This is five days before Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda scheduled for 6 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The Eagles will then travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa at the Free State Stadium on 9 September.
Nigeria are currently under pressure, sitting fourth in their qualifying group with just seven points from six matches.
The team has managed only one victory – a 2-0 win away in Kigali against Rwanda – alongside three draws, and a shock defeat to Benin Republic. Group leaders South Africa have 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin on eight, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe trail with six and four points respectively.
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Only the team that tops the group will qualify automatically for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. With four games remaining, Nigeria must secure maximum points and rely on favourable results elsewhere if they are to make it to the tournament.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is yet to release his squad list for the September fixtures, though the announcement is expected in the coming days.
At present, the NFF is finalising logistics as coach Chelle oversees Nigeria’s participation at the African Nations Championship in Tanzania.
The home-based Eagles endured a disappointing campaign, losing 1-0 to Senegal and 4-0 to Sudan before their final group match against Congo. Already eliminated, Chelle is set to return with the delegation immediately after that game, shifting focus entirely to the World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles famously missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after losing out to Ghana in the final playoff round.