Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong led a contingent of early arrivals as the team opened camp in Uyo ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Preparations for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers officially kicked off in Uyo, with Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and defender Bruno Onyemaechi among the first players to report to camp on Monday.
The Super Eagles face a decisive double-header in Group C, starting with Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
This will be followed by a showdown against current group leaders South Africa three days later in Bloemfontein.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Rwanda’s squad will arrive in Lagos on Tuesday to prepare for their match, connecting to Uyo later that day.
An advance delegation from Kigali landed on Monday to finalize logistics.
Nigeria will be seeking to replicate their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the reverse fixture played in March when Victor Osimhen scored twice in Kigali.
With six matches played, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six. Rwanda and Benin are level on eight points, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe remain within touching distance.
Victory against Rwanda is widely seen as crucial to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Head coach Eric Chelle has invited 23 players for the fixtures, with notable inclusions such as Stanley Nwabali, Troost-Ekong, Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman.
With just four games left to play, the Super Eagles have little room for error.
After facing Rwanda and South Africa, they will round off their qualification campaign in October against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home).
