Former Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has expressed confidence in the national team’s ability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, urging them to maintain their momentum and not disappoint Nigerian fans.
The Super Eagles revived their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday. Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen scored twice to secure the win, marking a strong start for new coach Eric Chelle in his first game in charge.
Before the victory, Nigeria had struggled in the qualifiers, failing to win any of their first four matches and sitting in fifth place in Group C. The win over Rwanda moved them up to fourth with six points, trailing Rwanda (seven points), Benin Republic (eight points), and group leaders South Africa (10 points).
Emenike, who retired from international football in 2015, praised the team’s performance and encouraged them to approach their next match against Zimbabwe with the same determination.
“The game against Rwanda was different. They should keep up this momentum. Everyone’s hopes are high now, and we expect them to beat Zimbabwe,” Emenike said in Lagos.
Coach Chelle has emphasized full concentration in camp, banning visitors and journalists as the team prepares for their crucial game against Zimbabwe. A win would take Nigeria to nine points, with their standing dependent on other group results, including matches between Benin Republic and South Africa, as well as Rwanda against Lesotho.
