Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Boosted As Super Eagles Star Bags Special Award Ahead of Qualifiers

Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Boosted As Super Eagles Star Bags Special Award Ahead of Qualifiers

  • Ahead of Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers, a Super Eagles star bagged an award in the league
  • Super Eagles are currently in fourth position after a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, six points behind group leaders South Africa
  • Nigeria will face Rwanda in Uyo on September 3, then travel to play Group C leaders South Africa on September 7

Nigerian players across the various leagues are gathering momentum ahead of the next month's 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Super Eagles struggled in their first four matches, but were revived under Eric Chelle, where the three-time AFCON winner won their match against Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali, before being held by Zimbabwe 1-1 in Uyo last March.

With the resumption of the leagues, players have started shining for their respective clubs.

Christantus Uche, Getafe, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Celta Vigo
Christantus Uche of Getafe scores against Celta Vigo in the 2025/26 La Liga match. Photo by: Diego Souto.
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria player bags award

Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche was named Man of the Match after his performance against Celta Vigo on Sunday night.

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According to Daily Post, the 23-year-old scored a goal in the 47th minute before providing an assist for his teammate in the 72nd minute for Getafe.

Uche is the first Getafe player to both score and assist in a La Liga game, and the second to achieve this feat with the club on Match Day 1 of the competition, after Riki vs Espanyol in 2005.

In his debut season, the Owerri-born player scored four goals and six assists in 33 league matches, per Transfermarkt.

Christantus Uche, Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, 2026 World Cup, Getafe
Christantus Uche sends a message to coach Eric Chelle ahead of next month's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda. Photo by: Catherine Ivill - AMA.
Source: Getty Images

Uche wins first trophy with Super Eagles

Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche won his first title for the Super Eagles against Jamaica at the 2025 Unity Cup.

The 23-year-old scored the decisive goal for Nigeria on his debut as the three-time AFCON winner defeated the Reggae Boyz 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

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Uche was absent during the Super Eagles' 3-2 win against Trinidad and Tobago at the G Tech Community in Brentford, London, last May.

Super Eagles coach failed to name the Getafe midfielder for the international friendly match against Russia, with the game ending 1-1. Tolu Arokodare scored the equaliser after an own goal from Semi Ajayi.

Can Nigeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Nigeria faces the prospect of missing out on consecutive World Cups as it sits in a difficult spot with its position on the qualifying table.

Super Eagles currently have seven points in six matches, all thanks to Victor Osimhen, who scored a brace against Rwanda in Kigali and a goal against Zimbabwe in Uyo.

Nigeria will host Amavubi in Uyo on September 6, before playing an away match against Bafana Bafana three days later, per TnT Sports.

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Chelle to invite Uche, others

Legit.ng earlier reported that Eric Chelle is reportedly considering inviting Nigeria-eligible players performing abroad, as well as recalling some established names to bolster the squad.

Other players said to be on Chelle’s radar include Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Augsburg’s Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche of Getafe, and Gabe Osho of French Ligue 1 side Auxerre.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dare Kuti avatar

Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.

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