World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Open Camp in Uyo as Rwanda Arrive Tuesday
The race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes this week with the Super Eagles of Nigeria opening camp in Uyo on Monday ahead of a decisive double-header against Rwanda and South Africa.
Nigeria, currently sitting fourth in Group C, face Rwanda in a must-win clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, before travelling to Bloemfontein to battle group leaders South Africa three days later.
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After six matches, the Eagles have collected just seven points, six adrift of Bafana Bafana who top the table with 13. Rwanda and Benin Republic are level on eight points, while Lesotho have six and Zimbabwe are bottom with four.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that the Amavubi delegation will land in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon. “A one-man advance party will be in Lagos on Monday, but the full delegation will make landfall in Lagos on Tuesday aboard a Rwanda Airlines flight at 1.15 pm, and will proceed to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, by 4 pm of the same day,” the NFF said in a statement.
Head coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for the fixtures. Notably absent is Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, but the list includes Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, captain William Troost-Ekong, and a blend of established internationals and emerging talent.
With South Africa still awaiting FIFA’s final decision on their use of an ineligible player in the March victory over Lesotho, Group C remains delicately poised. The Eagles, however, cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to stay in contention for a return to the World Cup stage.
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Saturday’s game in Uyo is already being billed as season-defining, while the trip to Bloemfontein could prove pivotal in determining who secures Africa’s automatic ticket. Nigeria will then complete their qualification campaign in October, with games against Lesotho away and Benin Republic at home.
For now, all eyes are on Uyo, where camp opens today, as the countdown begins to a massive showdown with Rwanda.
SportsLigue