We aren’t thinking about South Africa – Super Eagles’ Ndidi ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers double-header
RECORD DATE NOT STATED UYO, NIGERIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by Victor Ihechi Copyright: xx
Wilfred Ndidi has shed light into the Super Eagles’ mindset ahead of their next set of games…
Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has stated that the team is only focused on their next game against Rwanda at the moment, despite the big problem of South Africa next week, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria will attempt to get their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup back on track in this international break with wins against Rwanda and South Africa.
They play Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, before traveling to the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein to play South Africa next Tuesday.
Super Eagles players (photo credit: Imago)
Both fixtures are must-win games for Eric Chelle and his lads, as they sit fourth in Grouo C, with seven points from six games. And with just four games left, they are in a precarious situation as they don’t even have their fate in their hands.
Of the two upcoming games South Africa seems like the bigger challenge due to the quality of their squad and their home advantage.
Daniel Ogunmodede, Eric Chelle and the other Super Eagles assistants on the bench Copyright: ImagoxVictor-Oguegbex
However, senior team member Ndidi, has maintained that they are taking the games one by one. So, they are focused on just the Rwanda fixture for now.
“We are not looking at the game against South Africa yet, because the game against Rwanda is the most important one in our hands 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 we focus on the game against South Africa.”
“We are in a difficult situation and everything is in our hands” – Wilfred Ndidi on Super Eagles do-or-die game vs #Rwanda & #SouthAfrica #SuperEagles
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— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) September 3, 2025
The Super Eagles Have To Make A Statement With Rwanda
On paper, Nigeria and Rwanda are not on the same level. The Super Eagles have far more quality players. Nonetheless, the Super Eagles have often flattered to deceive.
Super Eagles of Nigeria (Photo credit: Imago)
But in the game against Rwanda, they have to make a strong statement, so they can put some fear into the rest of their opponents and possibly make South Africa coach Hugo Broos rethink his tactics ahead of their crunch tie next Monday.
A draw or a loss would be really fatal for Eric Chelle and his men.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.
