Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has expressed strong confidence in the Super Eagles squad released for next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, stating that the team has enough quality to secure vital victories over Rwanda and South Africa.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle unveiled a provisional 31-man list on Friday, with Nigeria set to host Rwanda in early September before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on September 9. The two fixtures are being widely described as make-or-break games for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.
Currently, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa, second-placed Rwanda, and the Benin Republic. With only the group winner guaranteed a place at the World Cup, the Eagles must collect maximum points to avoid leaving their fate hanging in the balance.
Speaking with Completesports.com, Lawal praised the composition of the squad, noting its balance of experience and youthful energy. He insisted that if the players rise to the occasion, they can defeat both opponents.
“I am delighted with the list of players invited to face Rwanda and South Africa for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” said Lawal. “It’s a full-package squad capable of beating any team on a good day. This is a squad full of talents, and I expect the players to do everything possible to ensure they pick the six points.”
Lawal, who represented Nigeria at youth and senior levels during his career, emphasised the importance of determination and unity. “We have the quality, but quality alone does not win games. The players must show hunger, discipline, and focus. These two games are crucial if we are to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. I expect nothing but victory against Rwanda and South Africa.”
The provisional squad features some of Nigeria’s most reliable performers, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi. Rising talents such as Victor Boniface and Gift Orban have also been named, giving Chelle attacking options capable of troubling any defence on the continent. In defence, stalwarts like Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi are expected to provide stability, while Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye will battle for the number one goalkeeping spot.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has so far been disappointing, with draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho and a shock defeat to Benin Republic leaving the three-time African champions in a precarious position. The upcoming matches represent an opportunity for redemption, but they also carry the weight of expectation from millions of fans.
Chelle, who took over as head coach earlier this year, is under pressure to deliver immediate results. Critics argue that anything short of six points from the two fixtures could severely damage Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup, set to be staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.
The importance of the Rwanda clash cannot be overstated, as a win would set the tone for the showdown in Bloemfontein against South Africa. Bafana Bafana currently lead the group and boast one of the best defensive records in the qualifiers. However, Lawal believes Nigeria’s attacking depth gives them the edge.
“With Osimhen, Boniface, and Lookman, we have strikers who can score at any time,” he noted. “It is about taking our chances and staying solid at the back. South Africa will be tough, but they are not unbeatable.”
As the countdown to the matches begins, Nigerian supporters are cautiously optimistic. The memory of missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar remains fresh, and fans are desperate to see the Eagles soar back onto football’s grandest stage.
For Lawal, the message is clear: “The players must know what is at stake. It’s not just about qualifying; it’s about pride, history, and giving Nigerians hope again. I have confidence that this squad can get the job done.”
With the squad named and preparations underway, all eyes will soon turn to the pitch. Whether Chelle’s men can deliver the six points that Lawal and millions of Nigerians demand will be revealed in September.
