Victory over Rwanda non-negotiable – Super Eagles captain Ekong
As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, team captain William Ekong has insisted that securing all three points is the team’s sole focus.
Despite reports highlighting Nigeria’s winless record against Rwanda on Rwandan soil, Ekong emphasized that past results are irrelevant.
“We’ve seen those reports, but we are not bothered. I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended in a draw, but we know we cannot afford that this time. Our objective is clear – we need to win and keep our qualification hopes alive,” Ekong said.
“The history books don’t concern us. Our priority is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.”
The three-time African champions have yet to secure an away victory over Rwanda, with their last three encounters in Kigali ending in draws. A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium, while a 2011 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade Régional de Nyamirambo ended goalless. In September last year, the teams played another 0-0 draw in a 2025 AFCON qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium.
Meanwhile, all 23 invited players arrived at the Eagles’ Radisson Blu camp on Tuesday night, ensuring full participation in Wednesday’s training and the official session at the Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening.
World football governing body FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, who turns 38 two days after the match, to officiate the game, scheduled for 6 pm Rwanda time (5 pm Nigeria time). Jayed previously officiated a friendly between Nigeria and Ghana’s Black Stars in Marrakech on March 22, 2024, which the Super Eagles won 2-1.
On Friday, Franco-Malian coach Éric Sékou Chelle will take charge of the Super Eagles for the first time as the World Cup qualifiers resume. With Nigeria yet to win in their last four matches, the team must secure victory to boost their chances of claiming the only automatic qualification spot from Group C for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
