Rwanda, Zimbabwe ties won’t be easy — Amuneke



Former Super Eagles player Emmanuel Amuneke has warned that the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be challenging for Nigeria as the team prepares for crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

 “The reality is that qualifying isn’t easy, and we have to also consider other teams,” Amuneke told our correspondent ahead of the Super Eagles clash with Group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday.

 The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches, making consecutive victories essential to boost their chances of reaching the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

 Amuneke expressed concern about Nigeria’s difficult position in the group standings, noting that even victories might not guarantee qualification.


 “To be honest, we are not in an easy position, even if we win, the teams above us too can win their games. I hope we can, as in Nigeria we like to say anything is possible, but we also have to look at facts,” he said.

 The former Barcelona winger emphasised the importance of focus and determination from the players as they face these crucial fixtures.

 “The team must focus and work hard. The task is difficult, but with determination and teamwork, anything is possible,” Amuneke added.

 Meanwhile, Super Eagles players have begun arriving at their Kigali, Rwanda camp which opened on Sunday with new head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff leading the pack ahead of Friday’s clash against the Amavubi.

 Chelle’s squad selection for the qualifiers raised eyebrows with the omission of in-form Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, despite their exceptional performances for their respective clubs this season.

 Instead, the coach has included four new invitees – Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Igoh Ogbu, and Kayode Bankole – all of whom could make their international debuts in the upcoming fixtures.

 After the Rwanda match on Friday, the Super Eagles will return home to face Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Tuesday, with both matches considered must-win encounters for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.

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