Osimhen Leads Early Arrivals at Super Eagles Camp in Rwanda Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria have opened camp in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier
• Nigeria will face Rwanda away before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo
• Victor Osimhen leads the group of players who have arrived early in Kigali camp ahead of the match on Friday

Victor Osimhen is one of the early birds at Super Eagles camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matchday five game against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria opened camp in Rwanda directly instead of first converging in Nigeria and flying out to Kigali, as players are expected to arrive in the East African country.

The Eagles will play Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21 before hosting the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo four days later.

Osimhen arrives early in camp

According to an official announcement by the Super Eagles, all officials of the team and eight players have arrived in Kigali as camp officially opens today, Monday, March 17, 2021.

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Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen was among the early birds, while first-time invitee and KRC Genk forward Tolu Arokodare has also joined the team in Kigali.

Osimhen scored a hat trick for Galatasaray during their 4-0 win over Antalyaspor on Friday even, while Arokodare also scored in Genk’s 2-1 win over Royal USG, a feat Eric Chelle will hope they bring to the national team.

Other arrivals: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel.

Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha are also first-time invitees at camp and flew into Kigali from Nigeria with the rest of the officials.

Other Europe-based players are expected to arrive today and tomorrow as Chelle begins preparation for his first games in charge of the team.

The Eagles have an uphill task as they started the CAF’s World Cup qualifying campaign poorly, with three draws and two losses and sit fifth in Group C.

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Opponents Rwanda are joint first on the table with seven points alongside South Africa and Benin Republic, who beat the Super Eagles 2-1 in June 2024.

Chelle will be the third coach to manage the team during this qualifier, with Jose Peseiro having managed draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, while Finidi George managed the draw against South Africa and the loss to Benin Republic.

Why Nigeria must qualify for 2026 WC

Legit.ng reported that Osimhen explained why Nigeria must qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the country cannot miss out on consecutive World Cups.

The three-time African champions missed out on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, and if they miss out again, Osimhen and his generation could fail to play at a Mundial.

Amuneke sends message to Super Eagles

Legit.ng also reported that Amuneke sent a message to the Super Eagles ahead of their two must-win games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers.

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The former Super Eagles forward admitted that the Eagles have a difficult but not impossible task at hand, and they must be realistic and hopeful of getting it done.

Source: Legit.ng