Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured fans that the team is fully focused on securing victory against Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. With past struggles on Rwandan soil, the team remains determined to break the streak and reignite their qualification campaign under new head coach Éric Sékou Chelle.
With just hours remaining before their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured fans that the team is fully focused on securing victory. Speaking from their training camp in Kigali, Ekong dismissed concerns over past struggles on Rwandan soil, emphasizing that history will not dictate the outcome of Friday’s match at the Amahoro Stadium.
“We know what’s at stake, and our mindset is set on nothing less than three points,” Ekong stated. “Our goal is to bring energy back into our campaign and push toward World Cup qualification. We respect Rwanda, but we are not dwelling on past results.”
The Super Eagles have yet to record a win in Rwanda, with previous encounters ending in frustrating draws. Their most recent visit saw a goalless stalemate in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, adding to their history of difficult outings in Kigali. However, with all 23 invited players in camp and two intense training sessions completed, the team is confident in their preparations.
Leading the charge will be Victor Osimhen, fresh off a dominant season where he emerged as the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig. Alongside him, key players like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon are expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack against a resolute Rwandan defense.
The match also marks the debut of newly appointed head coach Éric Sékou Chelle, who faces immediate pressure to turn the Super Eagles’ fortunes around. Nigeria currently sits in fifth place in Group C with just three points, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who are all tied at the top with seven points.
A win on Friday is crucial to keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive before their next home fixture against Zimbabwe. With the weight of history against them, the Super Eagles are determined to break the streak and prove that they remain a force in African football.
