The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially begun preparations in Uyo. On Monday, team captain William Troost-Ekong, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and goalkeeper Amas Obasogie became the first players to report to camp ahead of the must-win qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
More arrivals are expected in the coming hours, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirming that the remaining 20 players will be in camp by midweek. Coach Eric Chelle is eager to have a full squad as quickly as possible to fine-tune tactics for the back-to-back fixtures.
Rwanda First, South Africa Next
The Super Eagles will host the Amavubi of Rwanda on Saturday, 6 September, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in what promises to be a high-stakes Matchday 7 clash.
Just three days later, the team will jet out to Bloemfontein, where they face long-time rivals Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September, in another crucial tie.
Both matches are vital for Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada, as dropped points could prove costly in a tightly contested qualification group.
Super Eagles players William Troost Ekong, Amas Obasogie and Bruno Onyemaechi arrive Uyo for #fifaworldcupqualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa #supereagles pic.twitter.com/eZrMZco945
— Deltan (@modovictorekene) September 1, 2025History Adds Spice to Uyo Clash
Saturday’s showdown against Rwanda carries added intrigue. It will be exactly five months and two weeks since Nigeria defeated the Amavubi 2-0 in Kigali during Matchday 5, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman sealing the win.
However, memories of a painful loss linger. Nine months and two weeks ago, Rwanda stunned the Super Eagles with a 2-1 comeback victory at the same Godswill Akpabio Stadium in a decisive AFCON 2025 qualifier. While that defeat did not prevent Nigeria from advancing, it was a bitter reminder that the Amavubi remain dangerous opponents.
Road to USA Mexico Canada 2026
Nigeria currently sits on the 4th spot of qualification group but faces fierce competition, with both Rwanda and South Africa pushing hard for a ticket. The upcoming double-header could prove decisive in determining which nations eventually secure their places at the global finals in 2026.
With William Troost-Ekong’s leadership, the defensive solidity of Onyemaechi, and the confidence of goalkeeper Obasogie, the early arrivals in camp signal the start of what promises to be one of the most important weeks in Nigeria’s recent football history.
