2026 World Cup: Former Super Eagles Star Makes Bold Prediction Ahead of Nigeria vs Rwanda
- Former Nigerian international believes the country can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 6
- Meanwhile, South Africa thrashed Lesotho 3-0 in Bloemfontein to stay top of Group C on Friday night, September 5
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Nigeria is on the verge of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.
The Bafana Bafana of South Africa put up c commanding performance against the Crocodiles of Lesotho, beating them 3-0 at the Free State Stadium to stay on top of the 2026 CAF Qualification Group C with 16 points.
Source: Getty Images
The Cheetahs of Benin Republic also beat the Warriors of Zimbabwe 1-0 at the Stade Alassane Quattara on Friday night, September 5, to occupy second position with 11 points.
South Africa are five points clear, making them the favourite to clinch the group's automatic ticket to the World Cup.
Sodje says Nigeria can still qualify
Former Super Eagles star Efe Sodje remains optimistic that Nigeria will clinch one of the available tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Daily Post, the Brentford legend explained that the three-time AFCON winners can still turn the tide around with the array of stars in the squad.
The 46-year-old said it would be disastrous if the Super Eagles miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time. He said:
“Yes, we are in a bad situation at the moment but I’ve always had that belief and confidence that we would always get there.”
Nigeria are currently fourth on the log with seven points from six matches. The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 6, per Premium Times.
Source: Getty Images
How did Nigeria get to this situation?
The Super Eagles have been managed by three coaches: Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle in their qualifying campaign.
Before the arrival of the Franco-Malian team, Nigeria secured three draws and one loss (against the Benin Republic) under the guidance of former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.
Part of the contract details handed to Eric Chelle by the Nigeria Football Federation is to qualify for the World Cup, and failure to do so means the manager will be relieved of his duties.
The 47-year-old won his first match 2-0 against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali before settling for a 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe last March.
All the goals were scored by Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, who missed the first four matches.
Failure to beat Rwanda today, September 6, means the Super Eagles will miss their second consecutive World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Ghana in 2022.
Super Eagles stars send messages to Nigerians
Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles stars sent messages to Nigerians ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Alex Iwobi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina, in a video message on social confirmed the team's readiness and urged Nigerians to support the players.
Source: Legit.ng
