Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has spoken highly of the team’s mentality and awareness, as they continue preparations for the two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Having won just one of their last six matches in the ill-fated qualifying series, the Super will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, needing a win to keep their dreams alive before travelling to South Africa to face the Bafana Bafana three days later.
Nigeria’s hope of reaching the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico also hangs on a potential points deduction for group leaders South Africa, who fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
But before then, Troost-Ekong and his teammates must put their destiny in their hands by winning their remaining matches in the series.
The skipper acknowledged the importance of the remaining four games, beginning with the date against Rwanda on Saturday.
“The boys are very focused. We are looking forward to the game on Saturday,” the captain told NFF TV.
Now it’s going to be an important set of games for us beginning from Saturday. We know the gravity of these games and we will focus on preparation.”
After six matches, the Super Eagles are fourth in their qualifying Group C with seven points, six points behind South Africa, who lead the group with 13 points.
Rwanda are second in the pool with eight points, the same as Benin Republic, and followed by Lesotho with six points, while Zimbabwe are bottom of the table on four points.
While the Amavubi have a date with bottom-placed Zimbabwe on match-day eight, the Super Eagles must fly to Bloemfontein to confront group leaders South Africa.
After the next two games in September, their last two games are against Lesotho (away) and the Benin Republic (home) in October.
