As Nigeria prepares for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, the Super Eagles camp in Uyo is brimming with determination and urgency. Several key players spoke to Modzero Sports about their mindset and ambitions going into the decisive fixtures.
Troost-Ekong: “The talking is going to be on the pitch”
Captain William Troost-Ekong was emphatic about the team’s focus and readiness for Saturday’s clash against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
“Yeah, I think we’re really, really focused, you know. The camp feels different. I think people are just coming. It’s been a busy summer. Everyone’s had a good preseason fit. Of course, we’ve had some last minute transfer stuff within the team. It’s always going to happen when you have a team of talented players. So the thing for us has just been to refocus now and to concentrate on the training sessions and how we can actually build up and prepare for the game on Saturday.
It’s so much about mindset. I think quality is not something we have to question in this group. But it’s about togetherness and understanding how important these games are. At the same time, Rwanda and South Africa are going to want to win this game as much as well. So it’s not about who wants it more. It’s about who’s better prepared and who wants to fight together. So yeah, I think we are preparing we. And yeah, I want to say that the talking is going to be on the pitch on Saturday.”
The central defender, who recently completed another solid preseason in Europe, will be key in marshalling Nigeria’s backline as they chase maximum points.
Onyeka: “We are confident”
Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka echoed the captain’s sentiments, stressing that despite the team’s challenging position in the group, confidence remains high.
“I know it’s not easy, you know, feeling this way, especially with the past games. And now we are in a difficult position. So we as a team, we are doing everything we can. We are confident. We are training hard. The coaches, everyone is confident that we can come out with good results.”
Onyeka’s physical presence in midfield is expected to play a crucial role in breaking Rwanda’s rhythm and ensuring Nigeria maintains control in the middle of the park.
Aina: “This is the reality”
Fullback Ola Aina emphasized the need for discipline and focus, acknowledging the gravity of Nigeria’s current situation.
“Yeah, we know we have a big challenge in front of us, but this is football. This is the position that we’re in right now. That’s the reality. We have to just try and play well and try and win the game. Everyone wants the same thing, so this is what we’re working for.”
The Nottingham Forest defender is widely expected to provide width and attacking balance from the flanks.
Paris FC Forward: “The spirit is high”
A France-based forward, who has been in fine form for Paris FC, revealed the upbeat atmosphere in camp.
“Actually, first of all, we are doing well in training. And we are waiting for some of the players also. But basically now everything is going well. The spirit is high. And of course, we are working so hard. for the game Saturday yes for the game Saturday which we have a high spirit and first of all we go first in the Rwanda games because we can’t think about South Africa when we haven’t been to Rwanda which for me we are prepared for it and we just want to play.”
His words reflect the team’s insistence on taking one match at a time, with full concentration on Rwanda before shifting attention to the high-stakes meeting with South Africa.
Adeleye: “We need to give everything”
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, who features for Volos FC in Greece, underlined the do-or-die nature of the encounter.
“It’s a very important game for us, we all know. It’s the game that we need to give everything and get a better result to qualify for the next round. We’re working towards it and looking forward to the game.”
The young shot-stopper will be competing for a starting berth but remains a reliable option between the posts if called upon.
The stakes for Nigeria
Nigeria host Rwanda on September 6 in Uyo before traveling to face South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9. With only the group winners guaranteed an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles must secure back-to-back wins to keep qualification hopes alive.
Failure to do so could put the three-time African champions at risk of missing a second successive World Cup, a scenario the players insist they are determined to avoid.
