Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup rest on Saturday’s crucial Group C clash against Rwanda in Uyo. After Friday’s results, the Super Eagles occupy fourth place in the group with seven points, nine points behind leaders South Africa.
With only the group winner securing automatic qualification, a victory is essential for the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
South Africa reinforced their lead with a 3-0 win over Lesotho, moving to 16 points, while Benin Republic claimed a 1-0 victory against Zimbabwe to reach 11 points. Goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis powered Hugo Broos’ side in Bloemfontein, while Steve Mounie’s 77th-minute strike earned Benin a crucial win under coach Gernot Rohr. These outcomes have intensified pressure on Nigeria to deliver a decisive performance on home soil.
Coach Eric Chelle faces the challenge of motivating his squad for a match where there is virtually no margin for error. The Super Eagles will need to combine attacking creativity with defensive discipline to overcome a Rwandan side determined to assert itself in the group. Key players are expected to perform in front of the Uyo supporters, whose backing could prove pivotal in securing victory.
This fixture is more than a qualifier; it represents an opportunity for Nigeria to revive its World Cup ambitions. A win would reduce the gap with the group leaders and restore confidence in a team capable of competing at the highest level. Conversely, failing to secure three points could leave Nigeria reliant on unlikely results elsewhere, complicating its path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
