'We are confident and training hard' – Frank Onyeka insists Super Eagles can deliver in WCQs

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has expressed confidence ahead of Nigeria's crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, insisting the squad remains united and determined despite recent setbacks.

Nigeria open their September fixtures against the Wasps in Uyo on September 6, before travelling to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein to face Bafana Bafana three days later.

The back-to-back encounters are must-win for Eric Chelle's side, who trail Group C leaders South Africa by six points with only four rounds left to play.

In the reverse fixtures, Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali thanks to a first half brace from Victor Osimhen, while Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo.

The Super Eagles will be under immense pressure in next Tuesday’s showdown against Hugo Broos' technically gifted Bafana Bafana side. 

Anything less than victory could prove fatal to their World Cup aspirations.

Onyeka admitted that Nigeria have fallen short in previous qualifiers but underlined the players' commitment to turning the campaign around.

"I know it’s not easy feeling this way, especially after the past games. We’re in a difficult position now, but as a team we are doing everything we can,” the Brentford midfielder told Victor Modo.

"We are confident, we are training hard, and the coaches as well as everyone in the squad believe we can come out with good results."

Manager Eric Chelle has been drilling his 23-man squad since Wednesday following the arrivals of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Christantus Uche and Raphael Onyedika.

With four matches left to rescue their campaign, Nigeria's path to the 2026 World Cup may hinge on the outcome of this month's decisive fixtures. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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