Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has stressed the importance of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, insisting that the team cannot afford to miss out on a second consecutive appearance on football's biggest stage.

Despite a rocky start to their qualifying campaign, with no wins in their first four matches, Omeruo remains confident that the Super Eagles can turn things around. With their next two crucial fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe looming large, the team’s fate could hinge on these results. Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe next Tuesday.

These matches mark a fresh chapter for the Super Eagles, with new head coach Eric Chelle taking charge of the squad for the first time since his January appointment. Although Omeruo was left out of Chelle’s 23-man squad for these games, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.

"There’s a real opportunity here," Omeruo told Arise TV. "Based on rankings, Nigeria should be able to secure victories in these games. However, football is unpredictable, and we can’t take anything for granted."

Nigeria’s qualifying campaign has been rocky so far. After four games, the three-time African champions are sitting fifth in their group, with just three points, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points. With six matches remaining in the qualifying series, the Super Eagles are at a critical juncture.

After the March fixtures, Nigeria will regroup in September and October for their final four qualifying matches, all while setting their sights on clinching a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in December.