Ahmed Musa has expressed confidence that a victory for the Super Eagles against the Amavubi of Rwanda will mark a crucial turning point in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The veteran forward, who has been a key figure in Nigerian football for over a decade, emphasized the importance of securing all three points when the two teams meet in Kigali.
The Super Eagles have struggled in Group C, failing to register a single win in their first four matches. Eric Chelle’s men have managed only three draws and suffered one defeat, leaving them in a precarious position as they head into the next phase of qualifiers. Their slow start has raised concerns among fans and football analysts, but Musa remains optimistic that the team can turn things around.
The upcoming match against Rwanda is set to take place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21. Given the Super Eagles’ current standing in the group, this fixture presents a crucial opportunity to get their campaign back on track. Musa, who has represented Nigeria in multiple World Cup tournaments, stressed that winning this game is not just important—it is essential.
“The important game is Rwanda,” the former Leicester City player told reporters in Ilorin ahead of Kano Pillars’ league clash with Kwara United. “If we can get the three points from that match, it’s going to be a turning point for us. But it is not just a job for the Super Eagles alone. Every Nigerian must be involved because we need their support.”
The Super Eagles’ struggles in the qualifiers have raised questions about their ability to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Historically, Nigeria has been one of Africa’s strongest teams on the global stage, but their recent performances have been below expectations.
Despite boasting a squad filled with talented players, including Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Iheanacho, the team has been unable to deliver consistent results. Their campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho, followed by another 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe. They then played out a goalless draw with South Africa before suffering a shocking 2-1 defeat to Benin.
This disappointing run has left Nigeria with just three points from a possible 12, a situation that has put immense pressure on both the players and the coaching staff. Fans have voiced their frustrations, urging the team to show more determination and urgency in their upcoming matches.
Musa, who has always been vocal about the importance of national pride and commitment, believes that a win in Kigali will not only boost morale but also improve their chances of qualification. His call for collective support highlights the significance of the fixture, as the Super Eagles must now rely on both skill and mental strength to overcome their struggles.
Following their encounter with Rwanda, the Super Eagles will return home to face the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25. This match will be equally important, as Nigeria needs maximum points from both fixtures to remain in contention for a place in the 2026 World Cup.
In previous World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria has faced tough situations but managed to bounce back. Many fans still remember the Super Eagles’ remarkable turnaround during the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign when they overcame an initial setback to dominate their group. Musa hopes that history will repeat itself, and the team will find their rhythm in the upcoming matches.
However, one major challenge facing the team is their inconsistency in front of goal. While Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most lethal striker, the Napoli forward has struggled to convert chances in recent games. The team will need to improve their attacking efficiency to secure victories in the upcoming fixtures.
Defensive lapses have also been a problem for the Super Eagles, as seen in their recent loss to Benin. The backline, led by William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, must be more organized and disciplined against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Conceding unnecessary goals has cost Nigeria valuable points in the qualifiers, and fixing this issue will be crucial to their success.
Coach Finidi George will also be under scrutiny, as fans expect him to make tactical adjustments to get the best out of the team. The former Nigerian international took over the coaching role with high expectations, but results have not gone as planned. His approach in the next two matches could determine Nigeria’s fate in the World Cup qualification race.
As the team prepares for the decisive fixtures, training sessions have been intensified, with players focused on improving their fitness and strategy. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has assured fans that all necessary support will be provided to ensure the team’s success.
With Musa leading the charge and rallying support, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see if they can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Nigeria’s football history has shown that the team has the ability to bounce back from adversity.
As the countdown to the crucial clash against Rwanda begins, Nigerian fans will be hoping that Musa’s words inspire the team to produce a performance worthy of their status as one of Africa’s football giants. The next two matches will not only test their skills but also their resilience and determination. If the Super Eagles can secure six points, their World Cup dream will remain alive, but failure to do so could put them at risk of missing out on the tournament.
For Musa and his teammates, this is more than just another qualifier—it is a battle to restore Nigeria’s footballing pride on the international stage.
