2 weeks Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has said that his side will prioritise September’s clash against Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series than the clash against South Africa, which has been described by many as the Group C ticket decider. Nigeria is on seven points, six less than the leaders, South Africa, which is on 13 points. The Super Eagles failed to narrow the gap with the Bafana Bafana after a tame 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, in Uyo last month.
That draw, all but extinguished Nigeria’s hope of catching up with the South Africans, who made their intention of taking the known more realistic by beating Benin Republic 2-0, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire the same night that the Super Eagles were struggling with Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. However, Super Eagles’ supporters believe that Nigeria still has a chance, especially now that the South Africans may be ducked some point for fielding an ineligible player in their game against Lesotho last month. If FIFA goes ahead to deduct the points from South Africa’s haul, it means their game against Nigeria would likely decide the destination of the World Cup ticket, provided the Super Eagles win all their three remaining games before the clash in Pretoria.
But Chelle is not thinking of that game against South Africa yet. Rather, he wants to focus on the games before that, saying the clash with the Bafana Bafana would be meaningless if the Super Eagles drop any more point before then. The Malian said as per scorenigeria.
com: “It’s an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is against Rwanda, in Uyo. “South Africa are a good side, but for that game, we cannot afford to allow them to play, first, we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa.” Before the games against Rwanda and South Africa, the Super Eagles are expected to participate in a four-nation invitational competition that also involves Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago in London.
The Super Eagles will thereafter host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 3 before the potentially decisive game against the Bafana Bafana in Pretoria on September 6..
