SUPER Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has underlined the team’s determination to revive their faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, stressing that the players remain fully focused as they prepare for back-to-back fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Nigeria, who have secured just one win in six games of the ongoing qualifying series, will host Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face the Bafana Bafana three days later.
The three-time African champions are fourth in Group C with seven points, six adrift of leaders South Africa (13 points). Rwanda and Benin Republic are tied on eight points each, Lesotho follow with six, while Zimbabwe sit bottom with four.
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying could also be influenced by an expected FIFA ruling on South Africa’s use of an ineligible player against Lesotho in March. A potential points deduction for Bafana Bafana would throw the group wide open.
Still, Troost-Ekong insists the Super Eagles must take charge of their own fate.
“The boys are very focused. We are looking forward to the game on Saturday,” the PAOK defender 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 this international window, Nigeria will face Lesotho away and Benin Republic at home in October to wrap up the group stage campaign.
To secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, the Eagles must finish top of Group C. The second-placed team could still reach the global showpiece via the playoff route.
The fixture in Bloemfontein against South Africa is expected to be even more decisive, with the Bafana Bafana eager to consolidate their lead and Nigeria desperate to close the gap.
Troost-Ekong, who has recovered from injury setbacks to reclaim his place as captain, is seen as a rallying figure in a squad filled with youthful talent and European-based stars. His message of focus and resilience is expected to set the tone for the crunch encounters.
