Despite a slow start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a strong vote of confidence from Mali’s head coach, Tom Saintfiet.

The Belgian tactician, who recently took charge of the Malian national team, expressed his belief that Nigeria will overcome their current struggles and secure a spot at the World Cup.

“It will be sad if the strongest team in Africa doesn’t qualify,” Saintfiet said in an interview with Sportsblog247.com. “For the last three or four years, the Super Eagles have been the best team in Africa. It would be a big shock if they fail to qualify, given their quality.”

Nigeria has managed only three points from their first four qualifying matches, leaving their campaign in a precarious position. However, Saintfiet remains confident that they can recover.

“With all due respect to their opponents, South Africa has a good coach and a strong team, but Nigeria has so much quality. They have to do everything to catch up on the points they lost. I believe they will qualify,” he added.

The Super Eagles will have a chance to turn things around when they face Rwanda’s Wasps on Friday, March 21st, at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali. Four days later, they will host Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Both matches are scheduled for 5:00 PM WAT.

Meanwhile, 22 out of 23 players called up for the qualifiers have arrived in Kigali for preparations, with Alhassan Yusuf the only one yet to report to camp.