Adelabu: I can’t bank on Super Eagles yet

Former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu, is not in a hurry to count the Super Eagles as a winning team despite their 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo at the weekend.

The Super Eagles, led by interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, will take on the Amavubi of Rwanda, today at the 45,508-capacity multi-purpose Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Kick-off time is 2.00 pm Nigerian time.

Like the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, Rwanda are in the same group as the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.

While Nigeria is struggling in fifth position after four rounds of matches, Rwanda are top of the group and will aim to send the Super Eagles a strong message in front of their home fans in Kigali today.

Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, Adelabu, a sports scientist, said: “You know it is when you don’t expect anything from the Super Eagles they will put up a good performance. We hope they will be able to improve on their success in Kigali.”

Adelabu, who played club football with IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, advised Eguavoen and the players to put everything in today’s game against the Amavubi, saying: “The technical crew and the players should know that a lot is at stake, hence, they should put in the game whatever it will require for them to win. That is the only way they can win back the confidence of many Nigerians.”

Like the game against Benin Republic in Uyo, Eguavoen has several elite players, including team captain William Troost Ekong, Galatasaray of Turkey’s new intake, Victor Osimhen, Atalanta of Italy strongman, Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi to deploy in Kigali.

While The Super Eagles played their first match at home to Benin Republic, the Amavubi of Rwanda traveled to Abidjan, where they picked an away draw against Libya. They are hoping to beat the Super Eagles to maintain their unbeaten record.