Ndidi: Super Eagles Focused Only on Rwanda Clash
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has made it clear that the team is only focused on their match against Rwanda this weekend, and not yet thinking about South Africa.
Nigeria are aiming to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign back on track during this international break. They face Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday before travelling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa next Tuesday.
The Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six games. With only four games left, they must win both matches to keep their hopes alive.
Many see South Africa as the tougher test because of their strong squad and home advantage. However, Ndidi insists Rwanda is the priority.
“We are not looking at the game against South Africa yet, because the game against Rwanda is the most important one right now, and we can’t let it slip,” Ndidi told Pooja.
“If we let it slip, it’s finished. If we let the Rwanda game slip, there’s nothing like rivalry in South Africa. We have to win the game against Rwanda first, then focus on South Africa.”
A Must-Win for Nigeria
On paper, Nigeria have the stronger squad compared to Rwanda, but recent performances have been inconsistent. The match gives the Super Eagles a chance to send a strong message to their group rivals and put pressure on South Africa ahead of next week’s clash.
Anything less than victory against Rwanda could spell disaster for Eric Chelle’s men and leave their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
