By Korede James
Former Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Victor Ikpeba has warned the team’s players that their big reputations will not intimidate Rwanda.
The Super Eagles will be back in action on Friday in continuation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they face Rwanda in Kigali.
Rwanda, who are on seven points, are four points clear of fifth-place Super Eagles in qualifying Group C.
The Super Eagles, despite an array of players featuring in the big leagues of Europe, are winless in the qualifiers and will be targeting a first-ever victory away to Rwanda after three previous visits had ended in draws.
“I think to have a team that is on top of the log and that defeated us last year, it seems difficult,” Ikpeba, who won the 1997 African Player of the Year award, 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.”
Rwanda will be banking on their impressive performance against the Super Eagles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Amavubi took four points off the Super Eagles which was not enough to secure qualification for the East Africans.
After a 0-0 draw in Kigali in the first leg, Rwanda came from 1-0 down to beat the Super Eagles 2-1 in the second leg in Uyo.
