The former governor of Nigeria’s Edo State Chief Lucky Igbinedion has expressed strong optimism about the Super Eagles’ chances in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
He says the Super Eagles have what it takes to conquer Rwanda on their home soil when both countries meet in March for a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Kada Unity Cup in Benin City, Chief Lucky Igbinedion suggested that Nigeria’s wealth of talent should make the away fixture in Kigali a straightforward task.
“As you know, we are very passionate about our Super Eagles; every right-thinking Nigerian would want our flag hoisted at the 2026 World Cup,” Igbinedion said at his Etete Sports Complex.
“We have highly talented young players scattered across Europe doing very well in their various clubs. So qualifying for the World Cup shouldn’t give us sleepless nights. If the NFF and the technical crew know what to do, Rwanda will be an easy team to beat. I have confidence that our boys will do us proud. A World Cup without Nigeria won’t make sense.”
The comments came during the launch of this year’s Kada Unity Cup, a tournament designed to promote camaraderie amongst military and paramilitary organisations in Edo State.
Igbinedion praised the tournament’s role in fostering unity and maintaining fitness among service personnel. “Football is a unifying factor, you can see young uniformed men sweating it out, this is to keep them mentally and physically fit, it will also enhance the performance of their job,” he noted.
The former governor indicated plans to expand the competition beyond Edo State, noting that participants compete for both monetary prizes and other incentives.
“They are not only playing for fun, money and other incentives are involved. This competition started last year, so as long as there is life, we shall continue to host it. Very soon we will extend the invitation to other States,” he added.
However, Nigeria’s current World Cup qualifying campaign has been far from smooth sailing. The team, fresh from their runners-up finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, finds themselves in a precarious position in CAF Group C after failing to win any of their opening four matches.
A disappointing 2-1 defeat to Benin, following three successive draws, has left the Super Eagles fifth in their six-team group with just three points. Despite this concerning position, qualification remains achievable—they sit only four points behind second-placed South Africa, who trail group leaders Rwanda solely on goal difference.
With six matches remaining in the group phase, including home and away fixtures against each team, there is still a path to qualification.
The format offers some hope, as the winners of all nine CAF groups automatically secure their place at the 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the four best runners-up will enter a playoff route.
