Victor Ikpeba cautions Nigeria’s Super Eagles against underestimating Rwanda in the upcoming World Cup qualifier. He highlights that despite Nigeria’s star-studded lineup, names alone do not secure victories in African football. The Super Eagles have struggled in their qualifiers, currently sitting fifth in Group C. Osimhen expresses determination to correct past mistakes and contribute to Nigeria’s qualification hopes against a formidable Rwandan team.
Victor Ikpeba, a former Nigerian football legend, has cautioned the Super Eagles against underestimating their opponents, Rwanda, prior to the World Cup 2026 qualifier scheduled for Friday at Amahoro Stadium. Ikpeba, the 1997 African Player of the Year, emphasized that despite the formidable talent in Nigeria’s squad, prior performance and rankings indicate that Rwanda poses a legitimate challenge. He remarked, “Having big names on the paper can’t guarantee the team a win in Kigali because Rwanda being on top of Group C is no fluke.”
The Super Eagles, featuring stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface, have commenced their training at the Ntare Louisenlund School in Bugesera before transitioning to the Amahoro Stadium. Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been challenging, with no victories thus far, recording one loss and three draws, placing them fifth in Group C. While Osimhen has enjoyed success at his club Galatasaray, scoring 20 goals this season, he has struggled to score for Nigeria, particularly against Rwanda in their previous encounters.
Ahead of the crucial match, Osimhen expressed his ambition, stating, “You have to give everything; you know it’s a dream for everyone of us to be at the World Cup. Mine is no exception… So, we will be ready.” As the Eagles prepare, the importance of overcoming their past struggles is clear, with the team eager to amend their performance and revive their qualification hopes. Rwanda leads the group with seven points from four games, while Nigeria has accumulated only three points.
In summary, Ikpeba’s caution and Osimhen’s commitment underline the significance of the upcoming match in which Nigeria seeks to transform their fortunes against a determined Rwandan side.
The warnings from Victor Ikpeba regarding the threat posed by Rwanda before the World Cup qualifier shed light on the challenges faced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Despite a roster filled with talent, recent performances indicate the necessity for focused efforts in overcoming past shortcomings. The motivation expressed by Victor Osimhen reflects the team’s determination to alter their current standing in Group C. As Nigeria prepares to clash with Rwanda, the implications of their performance are crucial for their World Cup qualification aspirations.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
