Super Eagles of Nigeria have kicked off preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with key players Victor Osimhen, Kayode Bankole, Tolu Arokodare, Papa Mustapha and Bruno Onyemaechi among the first to arrive in Kigali.
Osimhen, fresh from scoring a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor, landed in Rwanda alongside Onyemaechi, who featured in Olympiacos’ 2-1 Europa League win over Bodø/Glimt last Thursday.
The duo was welcomed at Kigali International Airport by head coach Eric Chelle and members of the team’s backroom staff. The squad has set up camp at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kigali, with more players expected to arrive in the coming days.
Coaching Staff and Early Camp Arrivals
Assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu were among the first to check into camp, along with Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole. Ogunmodede joined shortly after guiding Remo Stars to a 2-0 victory over Heartland on Sunday, while Ilechukwu arrived after overseeing Enugu Rangers’ dominant 3-0 win against Kwara United.
Arrivals:
Assistant coaches, Daniel Ogunmodede & Fidelis Ilechukwu with Remo Stars GK, Kayode Bankole. #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/Gy8wZfZfSm
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 16, 2025
With the first batch of arrivals in place, Chelle is set to begin training sessions as Nigeria looks to bounce back in their qualification campaign.
Nigeria Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and his assistant coaches. (Photo by X)
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Super Eagles Seek Redemption in Kigali
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes are in jeopardy. With just two points from four matches, the Super Eagles sit behind group leaders Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa, trailing by four points.
To keep their hopes alive, they must secure back-to-back wins—starting with Rwanda before facing Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
As club football pauses for the international break, more players are expected to arrive without delay. Captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Tolu Arokodare are among the next arrivals, with the full squad anticipated by Monday.
Victor Osimhen & Bruno Onyemechi in camp with the new coach, Eric Chelle 🇳🇬🔥 #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/t7mG7uwdyn
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 17, 2025
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also sent officials to Kigali to oversee logistics and ensure smooth preparations ahead of the crucial fixture.
No Margin for Error in Must-Win Clash
The Super Eagles are still searching for their first win in the qualifiers, having drawn two and lost two of their opening fixtures. This slow start leaves them with no room for mistakes.
Friday’s showdown at the Amahoro Stadium is a must-win, with Chelle and his staff expected to make swift tactical adjustments to get the team back on track.
