As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches continue, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured Nigerians that the team is not looking past Saturday’s clash against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo, despite an eagerly awaited encounter with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana looming a few days later in Bloemfontein.
Speaking on Thursday, Troost-Ekong stressed that the players must take the qualifiers “one step at a time” if Nigeria is to revive its stuttering campaign.
“You take one step at a time. We have Rwanda to play on Saturday, and there are three points there. After that is concluded, we begin to think of South Africa. There are three points also in there when we play in Bloemfontein, but that is a few days after Rwanda. Rwanda comes first,” he said.
Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals has been anything but smooth. The Eagles failed to win any of their opening four matches, drawing most and losing one, leaving them under pressure early in Group C.
That run of poor results saw criticism mount over the team’s lack of finishing, tactical discipline, and inability to convert possession into points.
The March fixture in Kigali against Rwanda compounded matters, with Nigeria unable to secure maximum points. That result pushed Rwanda ahead in the standings and set the stage for Saturday’s return meeting in Uyo, now seen as a must-win for both sides.
While Nigeria currently sit fourth in the group with seven points from six matches, Rwanda are second on eight points, and South Africa lead comfortably with 13. The Super Eagles must win all four of their remaining fixtures while hoping South Africa drop points to have a chance of clinching the sole automatic ticket to the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Troost-Ekong has urged home fans to show strong support when the team takes to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium pitch.
“As players, we are working really hard to make the fans happy on Saturday, and I want them to come out and support us at the stadium. Those who are not in Uyo can also join us in prayers to bag the three points and move on to our next challenge in South Africa,” he said.
Midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed the captain’s call, appealing for unity behind the team as they chase redemption.
“I am aware Nigerians love this game, and the best way to show it is to continue to support us. Our plan is to win all our remaining games, but that starts on Saturday. The fans should make it easier for us with their support and prayers, and I am optimistic all will be well,” he said.
Nigeria’s camp in Uyo reached full strength on Wednesday with the arrivals of Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Tolu Arokodare, joining up with the rest of the squad in training. With the full complement available, the team is determined to change the narrative of their campaign.
The clash against Rwanda on Saturday offers a chance for redemption, and the Super Eagles know victory is the only acceptable result before facing their biggest test yet against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
