By KUNLE SOLAJA.

The race for the 2026 World Cup takes another dramatic turn this Saturday when Nigeria’s Super Eagles host Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. For Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher.

After a stuttering start to their qualifying campaign, which left them stranded in mid-table, victory has now become non-negotiable.

 Anything less than three points could push the three-time African champions further away from the summit of Group C.

Rwanda, on the other hand, arrive with quiet confidence. Their solidity at the back has made them stubborn opponents, and they have often frustrated supposedly bigger teams with their discipline and organisation.

If scoring goals remains their Achilles heel, their resilience more than makes up for it, keeping them firmly in the qualification conversation.

Nigeria will look to their star man, Victor Osimhen, to tilt the balance. The former Napoli striker, fresh from injury recovery earlier in the campaign, remains the Super Eagles’ most reliable weapon, capable of turning tight contests with his pace, power, and eye for goal.

Supporting him will be the creative Alex Iwobi and the in-form Ademola Lookman, as coach Eric Chelle seeks to spark life into a side whose campaign has yet to fully ignite.

The head-to-head record leans Nigeria’s way, with three wins in eight meetings. Their last encounter in March ended 2–0 in favour of the Eagles, Osimhen striking twice to secure a vital win.

Yet Rwanda, a point ahead of the Super Eagles on the log, will take heart from their recent consistency and the knowledge that Nigeria’s struggles have made them vulnerable.

Saturday’s clash promises a battle of contrasts: Nigeria’s attacking ambition against Rwanda’s defensive steel.

It is more than just a qualifier; it is a statement game. For Nigeria, it is a chance to reassert their pedigree and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

A loss ends their ambition to the 2026 World Cup.  For Rwanda, it is an opportunity to prove that their rise is no fluke.

One thing is certain: when the whistle blows in Uyo, the margins will be fine, the pressure immense, and the consequences far-reaching.

A win will take Nigeria to the third position, just a point behind the current runners-up, Benin. It will raise their spirits ahead of their most challenging opponents, South Africa that they will face on Tuesday.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Morocco following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The world football chief sent his message through a video post on his Instagram page on Friday, praising the Atlas Lions for their historic achievement.

In French, Infantino said: “What an exceptional performance! Congratulations to Morocco, which has qualified for the World Cup for the seventh time in its history. This is a particularly important moment for Moroccan football, as we approach the centenary of the 2030 World Cup, which this magnificent country will host.”

With their place at the 2026 finals now confirmed, Morocco are assured of back-to-back appearances on the global stage. They are also guaranteed a record eighth participation as one of the co-hosts of the centenary 2030 World Cup.

Watch the FIFA President’s message here

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By KUNLE SOLAJA, Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

Morocco have once again underlined their dominance in African football. They became the first nation from the continent to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They accomplished this in emphatic fashion.

The Atlas Lions secured a 5-0 victory over Niger Republic in Rabat on Saturday. This match marked their first outing at the newly refurbished Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It was a statement victory.

The result sealed their place at the expanded 48-team finals with two qualifying matches still to play.

With Eritrea’s withdrawal reducing Group E to five teams, Morocco’s qualification was always within reach.

But their ruthless demolition of Niger left no doubts about their intent. The stadium was filled to capacity. It roared on Achraf Hakimi and his teammates. They produced a dazzling display befitting their status as Africa’s top-ranked side.

Ismael Saibari opened the scoring in the 20th minute from Youssef Belammari’s cross. He doubled the lead just before half-time by tapping in Hakimi’s cutback.

 Ayoub El Kaabi added a third shortly after the restart from another Belammari assist, while substitute Hamza Igamane grabbed his maiden international goal from a clever corner routine.

Azzedine Ounahi put the icing on the cake with a curling strike to complete the rout.

The comfortable win means Morocco’s remaining fixtures — an away trip to Zambia and a home tie against Congo — are now mere formalities.

Saturday’s occasion carried added symbolism: it was not only Morocco’s first match at the redeveloped Moulay Abdellah Complex, but also a showcase of the stadium that will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and later serve as a venue when the kingdom co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.

Eight other group winners will join Morocco in booking automatic spots for 2026, while the four best runners-up will head into play-offs for a chance at an intercontinental berth.

This day will remain etched in the annals of Moroccan football. With this resounding victory, the Atlas Lions have secured their place in the World Cup for the third consecutive time and the seventh in their history.

Walid Regragui’s men needed just one point to formalise their qualification. They ultimately collected three, and in style, to the delight of the tens of thousands of fans in the stands and millions more watching.

 With 18 points from six matches, they sit atop Group E, now out of reach of their pursuers.

The inauguration of the Moulay Abdellah Complex, which hosted its first match after a complete reconstruction, transformed the evening into a veritable popular celebration. By 4 p.m., Moroccan fans had invaded the grounds and stands of the stadium, coloring the stadium red and green, and giving their voices relentlessly.

On the pitch, Achraf Hakimi’s teammates put on a show, while in the stands, chants, tifos and flags created a grandiose scene, worthy of a great football evening.Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H