Osimhen, Lookman and Other Super Eagles Stars to Watch Out for During 2026 WCQ
- The Super Eagles camp is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match days seven and eight
- Nigeria will battle against Amavubi of Rwanda in Uyo and Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Bloemfontein
- Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen will lead the Eagles' charge in the crucial qualifying matches
The Super Eagles of Nigeria intensify their preparation for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, during Eric Chelle's first match in charge, and drew 1-1 against South Africa during Finidi George's reign.
Source: Twitter
Eric Chelle and the players will train again this evening after all 23 invited players arrived at the team's base at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Uyo.
Legit.ng looks at the six players to look forward to during the matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Super Eagles players to look forward to
1. Victor Osimhen
Osimhen has been Nigeria’s target man since he took the starting berth after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, replacing former striker and mentor Odion Ighalo.
As noted by Soccernet, he scored all three goals the team scored during the March international break against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, and the country will need his goalscoring contribution to secure victory against Rwanda and South Africa.
2. Stanley Nwabali
Nwabali has been the Eagles' first-choice shot stopper since coming onto the scene during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Nigeria reached the final before losing to the host.
He suffered an injury scare for Chippa United before the international break, but bounced back. There are questions about whether he is physically fit as he needs to keep out goals to help Nigeria's cause.
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3. William Troost-Ekong
Captain Ekong is nearing the end of his time in the Super Eagles, and at 32, unless Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could be his last major tournament.
Ekong, who, alongside Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, is the only player in the current squad to play at the World Cup, was at fault for a lapse in defence which allowed Zimbabwe to equalise. He will be under the spotlight again at the same stadium.
4. Ademola Lookman
Lookman was called up despite not playing for a while due to issues over his future with Atalanta. The Italian club have blocked his exit despite entering the final year of his contract.
As noted by OwnGoal Nigeria, Chelle will drop the rusty forward from the starting lineup, but could play a crucial role off the bench or possibly earn a starting berth if he shows signs of physical and mental readiness in training.
5. Cyriel Dessers
Dessers earned a call-up ahead of Victor Boniface, who recently failed AC Milan's medical before joining Werder Bremen on loan. Dessers, who also joined Panathinaikos on deadline day, is in line to make his competitive debut despite making his debut five years ago.
Source: Twitter
6. Tolu Arokodare
New Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Arokodare impressed off the bench during his debut against Rwanda. He scored his first goal against Russia in June. He could start alongside Victor Osimhen or play a crucial role off the bench.
Journalist criticised NFF for scheduling blunder
Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian journalist criticised the Nigeria Football Federation for a scheduling mistake which could cost the team the World Cup ticket.
She noted that the space between both games was not enough for flight to South Africa and recovery before playing the match, a choice made by the NFF.
Source: Legit.ng
