By Wale Babatunde
UYO, NIGERIA – In a crucial pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong expressed confidence and determination, stating, “We’ll do our best to make our supporters proud against Rwanda.”
The highly-anticipated match, which will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, is a must-win for the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been inconsistent, and they currently sit in a precarious position in Group C. A victory against Rwanda is vital to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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Troost-Ekong, a veteran defender and a key leader for the team, acknowledged the importance of the game. He noted the team’s full focus on preparations and their awareness of the high stakes. “The boys are very focused, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday,” he said.
The captain also emphasized the role of the fans, urging them to come out in full force to support the team. He called on Nigerians to “continue encouraging us; be there in the stadium, keep praying for us, and rally with everyone else in Nigeria.”
The match against Rwanda marks the first of two crucial qualifiers for Nigeria this international break, with a subsequent clash against group leaders South Africa looming. The Super Eagles will be looking to replicate their 2-0 away victory over Rwanda earlier in the qualifiers, a result that boosted their standing in the group.
The pressure is on the Super Eagles to perform. A recent victory by South Africa against Lesotho has further complicated Nigeria’s path to the World Cup, making a win against Rwanda even more imperative. The team, under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, is determined to deliver a strong performance and give their supporters something to cheer about.
