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

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 qualifiers
  • 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 at 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.

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria, Super Eagles, AFCON 2023, Ivory Coast.
Victor Osimhen is one of the early birds at Super Eagles camp in Rwanda. Photo by Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

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 on 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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Former Super Eagles star speaks on Eric Chelle's goalkeepers ahead of World Cup qualifiers

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.

Read also

Rwanda release provisional squad to face Super Eagles in 2026 World Cup qualifier

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.

Tolu Arokodare, KRC Genk, Royal Union Saint Gilloise, Belgium, Jupiler Pro.
Tolu Arokodare scores for Genk against Royal USG before flying to Super Eagles camp. Photo by John Thys/Belga/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

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 - Osimhen

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.

Considering the age range of the current group of players, only a few of them will be at the top level or fit the age profile of the national team by the time the 2023 World Cup comes around.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has four years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com