By Kayode John
Former Nigeria assistant coach, Sylvanus Okpala, has urged the Super Eagles to avoid a defeat if they cannot secure a win against Rwanda in Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Eagles have started their campaign to reach Morocco next year on a good note, beating Benin Republic 3-0 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Ademola Lookman’s brace and a lovely acrobatic finish from Victor Osimhen did the magic for the three-time African champions, who have been below-par of late.
Speaking on Monday ahead of the clash, Okpala, who was one of late Stephen Keshi’s assistants when Nigeria won their third continental title in South Africa 11 years ago, also warned that the Eagles must improve from their last performance.
“Now they have to raise their game because they are going away,” the former international told Brila FM.
“Rwanda are a good team; I’ve not watched them play but I expect them (Eagles) to even play better. The important thing is if we don’t win, we should not lose.”
Before the victory against the Cheetahs last weekend, the Eagles had not won any competitive game since the end of the 2023 AFCON.
They drew their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana of South Africa at home and lost in Abidjan to Benin, at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Cote d’Ivoire.
