2026 W’Cup Qualifiers: “Underrating Rwanda will be fatal, Eagles,” says Victor Ikpeba
By Uzor Odigbo
Former Super Eagles winger Victor Ikpeba has warned the team not to underrate Rwanda ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at Amahoro Stadium.
The 1997 African player of the year, who also don the colours of Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 World Cup, made a rallying call that having big names on the paper cannot guarantee the Super Eagles a win in Kigali because Rwanda being on top of Group C is no fluke.
“I think to have a team (Rwanda) that is on top of the log and defeated us last year, it seems difficult,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport.
“We can’t underrate Rwanda. 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,” the 51 year old Olympic Gold Medalist emphasized.
Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface were part of the star-studded Super Eagles squad which held their first training session Ntare Louisenlund School in Bugesera on Tuesday before shifting their drills to Amahoro Stadium on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s crunch clash.
But the fact remains that Nigeria is still winless after four games in the World Cup qualifiers. The three-time former African champions have lost one and drawn three and are fifth in Group C of the qualifiers.
Super Eagles star man, Osimhen has been in fine form at Turkish side Galatasaray where he scored 20 goals so far this season but he has been struggling on national team duty in recent times, having failed to find the back of the net against Amavubi during their past three meetings.
The 1.85m tall goal-scorer known for his pace, strength and athleticism, said he is not only looking forward to ending the run but also bring the West African country’s qualification hopes back on the right track.
“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 for me, I want to be there just like every one of my teammates and we are really looking forward to the game against Rwanda,” the 26-year-old said.
“We try and correct all the mistakes we have made in the past. So, we will be ready.”
Rwanda sit top of Group C with 7 points after 4 games played while Nigeria are 5th with just 3 points
