The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Muhammed Sanusi, has said that all Nigerians have a stake in the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2026 World billed to take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
Sanusi was speaking about the readiness of the Super Eagles for the for the forthcoming tie against the Amavubis of Rwanda billed for Friday March 21st in Kigali.
The GS of the apex football ruling stressed that the outcome of the two games in the current FIFA window is very important to all Nigerians.
Sanusi said: “The stakes are so high and it is beyond the NFF or even the National Sports Commission, it is about all of us.
“I am happy the players are also aware and they are fired up to get the results. We have team that is capable to beat Rwanda or Zimbabwe any day, anywhere. Nigeria is going back to those good days of recording great results. The Eagles are also ready to make the people proud. Every Nigerian has a stake in this match.”
Amavubis vs S’ Eagles:
Rwanda respects Nigeria but not afraid –Communication Manager
The Communications Manager of the Rwandese Federation of Association of Football (FERWASA), Morris Mutuyimana, has said that the Amavubis are not afraid of the Super Eagles.
Rather, Mutiyimana said that the Rwandese generally have high regard and respect for Nigeria as a top football nation on the continent.
He stressed that it is on record that Nigeria was yet to beat Rwanda in any match played in their country as all ended in a draw.
He said: “But our team is ready for the task at stake and we believe in football anything can happen. We defeated Nigeria in the AFCON and that is enough motivation for our players to be all out for a win in this match.
“Everyone needs the three points. We are prepared. We are very excited to receive the Nigerian team. Nigerians are very friendly so we have to receive them because they are Africans like us.
“This match is a tough one because they are all good. You know we have a new coach too and he’s trying to get more players.
“Nigeria is a very good team but with high quality players but Rwanda is not afraid but respectful. Rwanda is not afraid of Nigeria but respects Nigeria so whatsoever that will be applied tactically, it will be applied with respect of high profile players that Nigeria has.”
World Cup qualifiers:
Eagles call-up, a surprise to me –Papa Mustapha
Niger Tornadoes player, Papa Mustapha, has expressed huge surprise to be part of the final 23-man list for the two World Cup qualifiers against Rawanda and Zimbabwe.
Mustapha noted that he was not expecting the call-up but was only doing his best for his home based team based in Minna.
Mustapha is one of the two home based teams in the 23-man shortlist. The other is goalkeeper Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars FC of Ikenne.
He said: “I never expected it. I was just doing my best. I didn’t even know. When I saw the provisional list I was shocked. When I now saw the 23-man final list, I was surprised.
“Thanks to God because it’s not easy to be here and seeing the big boys. It’s my first time to be part of Super Eagles. I’m very happy and seeing them around is a motivation for me to do more and be humble. “They are all friendly to encourage the home based players. We never feel like we are not among them. I know we have the quality of players and I just pray for luck. I will be very happy if I have the chance. I will show Nigerians and the world what I can do.”
Amavubis vs S’Eagles:
Alhassan Yusuf arrives, full training Wednesday
The only invited player being expected in the 23-man Super Eagles final list for the forthcoming matches in this FIFA window, Alhassan Yussuf, arrived camp on Wednesday morning.
Nigeria has a date with Rwanda on Friday March 21st in Kigali and on March 25th, the Eagles will again will out against Zimbabwe also in the 2026 World Cup qualification series
Yussuf, a midfielder, is based in the United States of America.
According to camp sources, the Eagles will have a full training session involving all the 23 players today and tomorrow in the country’s attempt to pick a ticket in Group C for the 2026 World Cup billed for Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
