The Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo has come alive as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Match Days 7 and 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
With players steadily arriving ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Rwanda, confidence is building within the squad and the wider football community.
Team captain William Ekong was among the early arrivals on Monday, joined by goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Felix Agu, the latter fresh from an impressive display at the Unity Cup Tournament in London.
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Soon after, more big names checked in, including Simon Moses—who recently scored and assisted for Paris FC—alongside Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey.
Additional reinforcements are expected, with first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, strikers Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Cyriel Dessers, as well as attacking stars Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Raphael Onyedika set to join the group.
The 23-man squad will not only take on Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 but will also travel to Bloemfontein for a decisive clash against South Africa on September 8.
Amid the buzz in camp, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has called on fans to keep faith in the team’s ability to secure qualification despite their current fourth-place standing in the group.
“There are strong possibilities that the Super Eagles will emerge successfully from the group. The players are determined, focused, and fully aware of the task ahead,” Gusau said.
He further assured that the Federation, working with the National Sports Commission, has made detailed technical and logistical arrangements to support the campaign.
According to him, the expanded 2026 World Cup—jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—offers Nigeria a historic chance to feature in the first-ever edition staged across three countries.
Nigeria’s road so far has produced mixed fortunes: a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali earlier this year was followed by a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo. With four matches remaining, every point will be crucial in the battle for a World Cup ticket.
Reiterating the Federation’s confidence, Gusau added: “We understand the expectations of Nigerians, and we are confident that the team will rise to the occasion. We urge all fans to rally behind the Super Eagles in these crucial matches.”