Former African Footballer of The Year, Victor Ikpeba, has warned the Super Eagles not to be carried away by their forms ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier clash against Rwanda in Kigali on Friday.
Nigeria are campaigning in Group C of the qualifying series and they risk missing out on the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
Under new coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles will hope to revive their campaign on Friday with a win against their hosts, but the ex-international has cautioned the team against complacency.
“I think to have a team that is on top of the log and defeated us last year, it seems difficult,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport TV’s Monday Night Football.
“We have what it takes to beat the Rwandans but we have to earn it, we have to work hard for it.
“We can’t underrate the Rwandans. Yes, when you look at the 23-man list, it’s frightening because of the quality of talents we have there but we are still in African football. Names don’t’ win matches in African football games, you have to go there and fight.
Nigeria’s opponents, Rwanda are currently top of the group with seven points, leading South Africa and the Benin Republic on goal difference.
The ex-international also predicted that the Rwandans would be comfortable to play for a draw.
“Rwanda will play for a point but we have to go get the maximum points. Three training sessions will be fine and they are coming with match fitness. Now it’s time to play for pride.”
After four matches, the three-time African champions sit in fifth place with just three points, four points behind leaders Rwanda, with six games left to play in the qualifying series.
A win against Rwanda, which will be coach Chelle’s first game in charge of the team, will go a long way in reviving the team’s hope – as well as results from other matches.
After facing Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles will return home for the second game of this window against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Tuesday.
