KIGALI, Rwanda – Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially begun preparations in Kigali ahead of their critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday, aiming to revive a stuttering campaign after failing to secure a win in their opening two matches.
The delegation, welcomed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Rwanda, signaled the fixture’s significance as the three-time African champions seek to climb from third place in Group C. With only two points from draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, victory in Kigali is imperative to reignite their qualification hopes.
Star Power and Squad Depth on Display
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, fresh off a match-winning hat-trick for Galatasaray in a recent club fixture, headlines the early arrivals. The 2023 African Player of the Year’s presence bolsters a squad blending European-based stars and Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) talent. Joining him are Genk forward Toluwalase Arokodare, Olympiacos defender Bruno Onyemaechi, and Singida Black Stars goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. NPFL standouts Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) have also reported, underscoring the team’s domestic league integration.
Awaiting Key Reinforcements
Seventeen players remain en route, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Their imminent arrivals are expected to elevate the squad’s readiness, with full-team training sessions slated to begin Tuesday.
Coaching Staff Prioritizes Precision
Head coach Eric Chelle leads a technical crew featuring Remo Stars’ Daniel Ogunmodede and Rangers International’s Fidelis Ilechukwu. The trio faces the task of addressing defensive vulnerabilities and sharpening attacking cohesion ahead of the must-win clash.
Context: A Campaign in Need of Redemption
Nigeria’s underwhelming start to qualifying has intensified scrutiny, with fans and pundits demanding an immediate turnaround. The Super Eagles’ last competitive outing—a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in November—highlighted inconsistencies that Chelle’s side must resolve.
As anticipation builds, Friday’s match at Kigali’s Stade Régional Nyamirambo represents more than three points; it is a litmus test for Nigeria’s aspirations to return to the World Cup stage after missing the 2022 edition. With Rwanda sitting second in the group, the Super Eagles must deliver a statement performance to reassert their continental dominance and rekindle hope among their fervent supporters.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM local time on Friday, March 22.
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