Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has explained how he plans to secure maximum points from Rwanda and Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers during the international break in September.
The West African nation is facing significant pressure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a disappointing qualifying campaign so far in a group led by high-flying South Africa.
The Super Eagles picked a victory over Rwanda and a draw with Zimbabwe during the international break in March. In June 2024, Nigeria, then managed by Finidi George, played to a 1-1 draw against SA in Uyo.
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After six matches, Chelle's team is positioned fourth with seven points, six points behind Group C leaders Bafana, who have accumulated 13 points with four rounds of matches remaining.
With pressure mounting on the coach's team to earn maximum points in their September fixtures, Chelle is confident that he can outsmart Hugo Broos and defeat Rwanda, respectively.
"It's an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo," Eric Chelle told SCORENigeria.
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"South Africa are a good side, but for that game we cannot afford to allow them play.
"But first we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa."
Nigeria will first host Rwanda in Uyo before visiting Bafana in South Africa in September, with venues and times yet to be confirmed.