Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, commenced rigorous training in Kigali on Tuesday ahead of a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, aiming to revive their faltering campaign in Group C.
Captain William Troost-Ekong emphasized the urgency of focus and unity as the squad began preparations. “We’re here to deliver results. Every session, every moment counts,” he stated, following the team’s arrival in Rwanda. Troost-Ekong, alongside key players including Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina, joined the camp Tuesday morning, completing the 23-man roster ahead of Friday’s clash at the Stade Huye in Butare.
The team’s training camp officially opened on Sunday under newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, with star striker Victor Osimhen and five others—goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, forwards Tolu Arokodare and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and midfielder Kayode Bankole—among the earliest arrivals. By Tuesday, the squad was bolstered by the inclusion of Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Rangers midfielder Leon Balogun, among others, enabling full-squad drills.
Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C with three points from four matches, trailing group leaders Rwanda by four points. With only the top finishers guaranteed automatic qualification, Friday’s match is viewed as decisive for the Eagles’ hopes. Chelle, who replaced Jose Peseiro in March, faces immediate pressure to reverse the team’s shaky start, which includes disappointing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Following the Rwanda fixture, the three-time African champions will return to Nigeria to host Zimbabwe on June 11 at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. A victory in both matches would propel the Super Eagles into stronger contention in the tightly contested group, which also features South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed all players reported to camp without injury concerns, with Troost-Ekong and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali declaring full fitness ahead of the must-win encounter.
Key Details:
Match: Rwanda vs. Nigeria (2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Date: Friday, June 7
Venue: Stade Huye, Butare, Rwanda
Next Fixture*: Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe – June 11, Uyo, Nigeria
The Super Eagles last missed a World Cup in 2022 and face mounting expectations to secure a seventh appearance at the global tournament.
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