The Super Eagles of Nigeria face a make-or-break week as they prepare to battle Rwanda’s Wasps and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Only back-to-back victories will keep alive their hopes of reaching next year’s tournament.
After six rounds of matches, Nigeria sit in fourth place in Group C with seven points. How Nigeria Got Here
The Super Eagles began their campaign on November 16, 2023, at home against Lesotho. After a goalless first half, the visitors scored through Nkwanazi in the 56th minute. Semi Ajayi equalised 11 minutes later, but Nigeria could not find a winner, settling for a 1-1 draw.
Three days later in Butare, Rwanda, Nigeria faced Zimbabwe, who were hosting their games at Stade Huye. Kelechi Iheanacho’s 67th-minute strike cancelled out Walter Musona’s opener, as the match ended 1-1 — another two points dropped.
On June 7, 2024, Nigeria hosted arch-rivals South Africa in Uyo. The visitors struck first through Themba Zwane in the 29th minute. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalised immediately after halftime, but Nigeria once again failed to secure victory.
Three days later, the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan, where the Squirrels were playing home games.
Nigeria’s only win in the qualifiers came on March 21, 2025, when Victor Osimhen scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali. That result revived fans’ hopes, but the optimism faded quickly as Nigeria were held to another 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe four days later in Uyo. Current Standings
South Africa lead the group with 13 points from six matches. Rwanda and Benin Republic are tied on eight points each, with identical records of two wins, two draws, and two losses. Nigeria trail in fourth place with seven points, ahead of Lesotho (six points) and Zimbabwe (four).
Qualification is no longer entirely in Nigeria’s hands. The Super Eagles must win all their remaining matches and rely on other results to go their way. The Squad
Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has named the squad for the fixtures: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England) Upcoming Fixtures
Bafana Bafan of South Africa are Nigeria’s biggest opponents in this group
Nigeria will host Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa three days later.
Elsewhere in Group C, Benin Republic host Zimbabwe, while Lesotho take on South Africa. On the next match day, Zimbabwe face Rwanda and Benin Republic meet Lesotho.
