Later on this month African countries will be battling for spot ahead of World Cup 2026 that will take place in Canada.
Africa as a continent will have four countries that will be representing it(Africa) in the world cup.
The last time Nigeria qualify for the world cup was back then in 2018 where the competition was held in Russia.
Ahead of their clash against Rwanda, Mali coach Tom Saintfiet backed the Nigeria to secure the spot.
Nigeria are without a win from their opening four group games in their World Cup qualifying group, securing just three points from a possible twelve.
Saintfiet said “It will be sad if the strongest team in Africa doesn’t qualify. The Super Eagles are currently, not only now but for the last three or four years, the best team in Africa.
“It will be a big disappointment, a big shock, if Nigeria doesn’t qualify with this potential, with these quality players.”
On his conclusion, Saintfiet highlighted that the pressure will be on Super Eagles side as they need to collect maximum points per each game compared to their opponents.
He said “With all respect for the opponents, South Africa have a very good coach and a good team, but Nigeria have so much quality, so they have to do everything. They have to catch up on the points they lost. In that group, I think they will qualify.”
Nigeria will take face off against Rwanda on Friday, March 21st, at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali, before challenging the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25th. Both games are set at 5:00 PM WAT.
22 of Eric Chelle’s selected 23 players have made it down to Kigali as they begin preparations for their game on Friday. Alhassan Yusuf is the only player yet to report.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
