Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has emphasized the importance of securing a win against Rwanda in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Super Eagles are yet to register a victory in the qualifiers and will be desperate to turn their fortunes around when they face the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21.
Musa believes that a win against Rwanda could serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
“The important game is Rwanda,” the former Leicester City forward told reporters in Ilorin.
“If we can get the three points from that match, it’s going to be a turning point for us. But it is not just a job for the Super Eagles alone.”
Avoiding Another World Cup Heartbreak
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a disappointing two-legged playoff against Ghana, and Musa is determined to prevent another setback.
“The Super Eagles are in a very difficult situation right now, but we believe in ourselves that we can still scale through.”
“Super Eagles cannot be absent from the 2026 World Cup. It is going to be a big disaster for Nigerian players not to be at the World Cup.”
Musa also called on Nigerians to rally behind the team as they fight to secure a spot in the tournament, set to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“I want every Nigerian to support the Super Eagles, and In sha Allah (by the Grace of God), we will get the necessary result,” he added.
Nigeria’s Qualification Standing
The Super Eagles currently sit in fifth place in Group C with just three points, having failed to win any of their four qualifying matches.
They are four points behind group leaders Rwanda and must win the majority of their remaining six games to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has named a 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming fixtures, including Musa. The final 23-man squad is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
Nigeria will first travel to Kigali to face Rwanda before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo for their second match of the qualifiers.
Wins in both games would secure six crucial points for the Super Eagles while also increasing pressure on the current group leaders.
