As the next FIFA World Cup™ returns to its traditional mid-year cycle unlike three years ago in Qatar, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, currently sitting in fifth place in the Group C qualification table comprising seven teams, know they face a daunting task as they prepare for back-to-back must-win matches against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe at home in Uyo. How does new coach, Eric Chelle fancy the team’s chances of surmounting imminent difficult moments?

Especially for the Nigerian side, the spectacle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico has reached a critical juncture now.

With three draws and one loss in their first four matches, the Super Eagles are under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around. They trail their Kigali host and group leader Rwanda by four points, making every remaining match crucial.

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Going into the games, there are tactical upsets in the form of injuries to important players, including defender Semi Ajayi and Nathan Tella who had to be replaced even though made the provisional list. These absences could weaken the squad’s defensive stability but the fact that generally, a sense of urgency pervades the team, will maybe help muster up some optimism.

The Super Eagles had lost 2-1 in a previous World Cup 2026 qualifiers match with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, leaving the desperate Nigerians with only three points and just one spot ahead of bottom-placed Zimbabwe who they face next no matter if the impending fixture in Kigali yields a desired win or not.

New feel

When the Nigeria Football Federation appointed 47-year-old Eric Chelle, a French national and the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles, he noticeably had the confidence of the fans. This was evident as soon as the 7^th day of January 2025, the day he was appointed but will he be able to galvanise the team?

Approaching the Friday 21 March game with Rwanda, and then Zimbabwe in Uyo, Akwa Ibom four days later, Mr. Chelle can only try. Telling BBC Sport Africa at the beginning of the week, the manager admitted there is pressure in football, but at the same time, I’m confident and I believe in my players. Encouraging words for the supporters expecting a win or nothing.

Truly indeed, there has been a high level of professionalism displayed by the players arriving in Kigali for their next fixture.

Chelle has been studying video footage of Rwanda and Zimbabwe to identify their strengths and weaknesses. He aims to exploit gaps in their strategies while shoring up Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.

The manager has called up a mix of experienced players and so had to drop Super Eagles legend and former captain Ahmed Musa to inject fresh energy into the squad.

To inspire the team, Chelle last month enlisted the help of other Nigerian football legends like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha. Their presence is expected to uplift the players’ spirits and instil a sense of pride.

With six matches remaining in the group stage, the Super Eagles must aim for a top spot to secure automatic qualification.

A second-place finish would leave them relying on a playoff system, which adds another layer of uncertainty. The upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are pivotal in determining their fate.

Rate Eric Chelle’s final squad

This list of players features a perfect blend, rewarding homegrown contribution.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Meiza Nigeria