The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will open camp in Uyo on Monday, 1 September 2025, as preparations begin for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria will face Rwanda in their first game on 6 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, before travelling to Bloemfontein to play South Africa at the Free State Stadium on 9 September.
The Eagles are under pressure in their qualifying group, sitting fourth with seven points from six matches. They have recorded only one win – a 2-0 away victory against Rwanda – alongside three draws and a shock defeat to Benin Republic.
Group leaders South Africa have 13 points, with Rwanda and Benin on eight each, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe follow with six and four points respectively. Only the group winner will qualify automatically for the World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to announce his squad list in the coming days. The NFF is finalising logistics to ensure a smooth camp in Uyo, where focus will fully shift to the qualifiers after Nigeria’s recent outing at the African Nations Championship in Tanzania.
Nigeria, who missed out on the last World Cup in Qatar, know that maximum points in the remaining four matches will be vital if they are to reach the global tournament