The Super Eagles have what it takes to beat Rwanda Friday to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track, but they have to work for it, according to former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba.
“The Super Eagles have what it takes to win in Rwanda, but they have to earn it,” said the NFF technical committee member.
“We have talented players, but like the last AFCON showed, big names don’t win matches in African football.
“Rwanda have nothing to lose and their confidence is high after they beat us in a dead-rubber game in November (final 2025 AFCON qualifier after Nigeria had qualified for the tournament).”
He added: “It’s great to see the boys were early to camp, they are match fit and will play for pride.
“My generation qualified for three straight World Cups.
“I believe they now understand what is at stake, that the lazy approach to the game has to stop because it is the team who run and work more who win.”
