Super Eagles’ Interim Manager, Austin Eguavoen, has assured Nigerians that the team would come out of their encounter with Rwanda, in Kigali, unscathed.
The Super Eagles defeated the Benin Republic in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series. The team will consolidate its position atop Group D with a win in today’s game against the Rwandan team that drew 1-1 in their game against Libya, last week.
Speaking ahead of his second game with the Eagles in his fourth coming as the gaffer, Eguavoen acknowledged that Rwanda, like so many other African teams, has grown in stature and quality, with some of their stars playing professional football in big leagues.
He also acknowledged the expectations of Nigerians, who are thirsty for more victories after a long spell on the losing train, adding that the Eagles will satiate their appetite.
“We have quality players who can adjust to different styles of football, different formations, and different systems. So, whatever the system or formation Rwanda comes with tomorrow, we have the personnel to deal with it.
“Nigerians are full of expectations. It doesn’t matter whom we play, they expect us to win,” he said.
The former Enyimba of Aba coach, who said that the Eagles would approach the game with the mindset of getting the victory, added: “We will play our opponents with respect, but we will get the result. They respect us too. We don’t look down on teams anymore.
“Remember, any country that plays against Nigeria always raises its game; so, we expect a tough game, but we are ready.”
The Super Eagles, who arrived in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, after a three-hour flight from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday, had their first feel of the Amahoro Stadium, yesterday.
The team have expressed their determination to maintain their strong start in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series. But they will meet a Rwandan side that have been boosted by their away draw with Libya on match Day One.
Under Coach Torsten Spittler, the Rwandans believe they have the quality to upset the Eagles and qualify for only their second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Head to head, Nigeria tops Rwanda with two victories and three draws in five games in past meetings.
Although Rwanda are among the teams ahead of the Super Eagles in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifying series, the Amavubis will meet a rejuvenated Nigerian side ready to show that their earlier form was a little blight on their quality.
Against the Benin Republic last week, the Super Eagles showed their true stuff, with Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, fresh off his Ballon d’Or nomination, showing why he is one of the highly-rated attackers in world football.
African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, had a cameo appearance on Saturday, but within that short period, he was also able to show the quality that brought Napoli their first Italian championship in 30 years.
Coach Eguavoen is expected to start Osimhen alongside Lookman, with Victor Boniface, who started against Benin Republic, starting from the bench.
The backline of Captain William Troost-Ekong, Seyi Ajayi, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey is already settled, just as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ralph Onyedika are expected to shore up the midfield.
Victory today will give the Super Eagles a commanding lead in Group D in the race for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match will kick off by 2.00 p.m. Nigerian time.
