Determined to keep the Super Eagles focused on securing another crucial three points in their quest for a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot, Franco-Malian coach Sekou Chelle has tightened control around the Nigerian squad ahead of tomorrow’s pivotal Matchday 6 clash against the visiting Warriors of Zimbabwe.
The battle for qualification in Group C has become even more intense following the Super Eagles’ thrilling 2-0 away victory over Rwanda in Kigali last Friday. A win in Uyo tomorrow would push their points tally to nine, bolstering their chances of advancing. With Benin and South Africa set to face off in Abidjan in another key group fixture, Chelle’s side must secure a home win to maximize their advantage, especially if the Cheetahs and Bafana Bafana end up canceling each other out.
Yesterday, coach Chelle barred journalists and fans from the team’s first training session in Uyo and has since imposed restrictions in and around the team’s camp at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene.
Ahead of tomorrow’s decisive encounter against Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles also had with a closed-door session last night at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Today, the Super Eagles’ session will however be opened for the mandatory 15 minutes as the coaching crew strategizes for tomorrow’s encounter.
Meanwhile, the delegation of the Zimbabwean national team have settled down in Uyo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday six encounter against the Super Eagles.
A man 45-man delegation arrived the Victor Attah International Airport on Saturday afternoon and were met on arrival by officials of the Zimbabwe Embassy in Nigeria and Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
The Warriors held their first training session yesterday at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and are set for their official match training today ahead of tomorrow’s clash at the renowned Nest of Champions.
Currently sitting at the bottom of Group C with three points from five matches, the Brave Warriors face an uphill battle. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ crucial victory in Kigali on Friday propelled them to fourth place in the standings, boosting their qualification hopes.
In the African qualifiers, only the top team from each of the nine groups will secure an automatic spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, the four best-placed runners-up will compete for a potential additional qualification berth.
