Preparations for Nigeria’s essential 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are underway in Uyo, with captain William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, and Bruno Onyemaechi are the early arrivals in camp on Monday.
The Tremendous Eagles face back-to-back Group C encounters, beginning with Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium, earlier than touring to Bloemfontein for a conflict towards group leaders South Africa three days later.
The Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) confirmed that Rwanda will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon, earlier than connecting to Uyo later the identical day.
An advance delegation had already touched down on Monday to finalize logistics.
Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 within the reverse fixture in Kigali again in March, because of a Victor Osimhen brace, and will likely be hoping for a repeat efficiency to revive their qualification hopes.
After six matches, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with seven factors, six behind leaders South Africa. Rwanda and Benin each have eight factors, whereas Lesotho and Zimbabwe stay shut sufficient to trigger additional issues.
Victory over Rwanda is seen as non-negotiable for the Tremendous Eagles if they’re to shut the hole.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad, with Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, captain Troost-Ekong, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, and Atalanta ahead Ademola Lookman among the many key inclusions.
Nevertheless, the squad opened camp with out midfielder Christantus Uche, who is anticipated to reach late as he finalizes a Premier League transfer.
Uche not too long ago rejected a proposal from Wolverhampton Wanderers however has agreed to hitch Crystal Palace after direct talks with Getafe’s president and supervisor Oliver Glasner. He’s set to finish a medical in London earlier than becoming a member of the nationwide crew.
In the meantime, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare may additionally face delayed arrivals, as each are presently in England negotiating potential transfers to Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.
With simply 4 matches remaining within the qualifiers, Nigeria’s margin for error has vanished.
Following the September fixtures towards Rwanda and South Africa, the Eagles will conclude their marketing campaign with an away journey to Lesotho and a house conflict with Benin Republic in October.
