The saying “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26) couldn’t be more fitting for the Super Eagles’ recent triumph in Kigali. Determined to break their winless streak against Rwanda, Nigeria’s national team showed that belief alone isn’t enough—it must be backed by action.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Victor Osimhen was clear about his goals: help his team secure a much-needed win and continue his goal-scoring streak. Meanwhile, newly appointed coach Eric Sekou Chelle had one condition—players hungry for success, ready to fight for every ball.
Osimhen, fresh off a hat-trick in the Turkish league, carried his momentum into camp, unfazed by Rwanda’s bold claims that Nigeria would leave Kigali empty-handed. Captain Williams Troost-Ekong echoed the team’s determination, emphasizing the “Nigerian spirit” of never giving up.
And when game day arrived, faith met hard work. The Super Eagles stunned Rwanda, shattering the so-called “Kigali jinx” and proving their critics wrong. It was a statement win, a warning to their upcoming opponents—Zimbabwe, Benin Republic, Lesotho, and South Africa—that Nigeria is back in the hunt for a World Cup spot.
However, the journey is far from over. With South Africa leading the group with 10 points—four ahead of Nigeria—the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes rest not just on their own performances but also on how other teams fare. They must keep winning and hope for favorable results elsewhere, including a potential slip-up from Benin Republic against South Africa.
The road to the World Cup is still long, but as the Super Eagles have shown, faith backed by determination and hard work can turn the impossible into reality. With the right mindset, they could still secure their ticket without facing the nerve-wracking playoffs.
Now, all eyes are on their next challenge—Zimbabwe in Uyo. Can they keep the momentum alive? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Super Eagles are not backing down.
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