By Boluwatife Kehinde
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured Nigerians that the team remained fully focused and ready as they prepared for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
The Eagles, who had struggled for form in the qualifiers, knew their chances of securing a ticket to the global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico hung delicately in the balance.
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They faced Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Bloemfontein to battle group leaders South Africa just three days later.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes had been complicated by a poor run of results, with only one win in their last six outings.
However, faint hope lingered amid speculation that South Africa could face a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
Troost-Ekong, a key leader in the squad, stressed the importance of approaching the fixtures with full concentration and belief.
“The boys are very focused. We are looking forward to the game on Saturday,” the captain said. “It’s going to be an important set of games for us, beginning with Rwanda. We know the gravity of these matches, so we are putting everything into our preparation.”
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches — six points adrift of leaders South Africa on 13. Rwanda and the Benin Republic each have eight points, Lesotho trails with six, while Zimbabwe prop up the table with four.
The Eagles must win their remaining fixtures to keep their World Cup hopes alive. After the double-header against Rwanda and South Africa, they will conclude their campaign with matches against Lesotho away and the Benin Republic at home in October.
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For Troost-Ekong and his teammates, the message was clear: destiny lay in their own hands. With determination and unity, the captain believed the Super Eagles could reignite their World Cup dream.
