2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles open camp in September
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2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles open camp in September. image: imago

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles open camp in September

Hassan Abdulsalam 13:07 - 19.08.2025

Super Eagles set for important World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda, South Africa

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be on the line next month as the Super Eagles gear up for decisive qualifying clashes against Rwanda and South Africa.

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Super Eagles set for important clash in September

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the national team camp will open in Uyo on Monday, 1 September, ahead of their home game against Rwanda on 6 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Just three days later, Nigeria will travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa at the Free State Stadium in what could prove to be a make-or-break fixture.

Currently, the Super Eagles sit fourth in their qualifying group with seven points from six matches, a disappointing return that includes only one victory, a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali.

Three draws and a shock defeat to the Benin Republic have left Nigeria chasing the group leaders.

South Africa tops the group with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin, each with eight points. Lesotho and Zimbabwe have six and four points, respectively.

Only the group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

With four matches left to play, Nigeria must secure maximum points and hope for favourable results elsewhere to revive their qualification campaign.

Meanwhile, the head coach Eric Chelle is yet to announce his squad for September’s fixtures, though the list is expected in the coming days.

Chelle has been overseeing the home-based Eagles at the ongoing African Nations Championship in Tanzania, where Nigeria crashed out early following defeats to Senegal (1-0) and Sudan (4-0).