The Super Eagles of Nigeria are bracing up for this month’s important 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, www.aclsports.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side have been preparing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for the first encounter against the Amavubi of Rwanda before the showdown against the group leaders, South Africa, next Tuesday. The Franco-Malian tactician has the full complement of his squad in camp, as he hopes to get the qualification back on track ahead of the final group games in October.
Ahead of those key games, some of the Super Eagles players have spoken, with the skipper of the side, William Troost-Ekong, stressing that the group is ready to do the talking on the pitch, as well as the team’s concentration going into the games, especially the one on Saturday.
“I think we’re really, really focused, you know,” the Saudi based defender said to Modzero Sports.
“The camp feels different. It’s been a busy summer. Everyone’s had a good preseason fit. Of course, we’ve had some last-minute transfer stuff within the team. It’s always going to happen when you have a team of talented players. So, the thing for us has just been to refocus now and to concentrate on the training sessions and how we can actually build up and prepare for the game on Saturday.
“It’s so much about mindset. I think quality is not something we have to question in this group. But it’s about togetherness and understanding how important these games are. At the same time, Rwanda and South Africa are going to want to win this game as well. So it’s not about who wants it more. It’s about who’s better prepared and who wants to fight together. So yeah, I think we are preparing ourselves. And yeah, I want to say that the talking is going to be on the pitch on Saturday,” the 32-year-old concluded.
On his part, Ola Aina spoke about the reality before the side, saying, “We know we have a big challenge in front of us, but this is football. This is the position that we’re in right now. That’s the reality. We have to just try and play well and try and win the game. Everyone wants the same thing, so this is what we’re working for.”
The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6th September, before flying to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September.
