Bazuaye
By Ojieva Ehiosun Benin
Former Nigeria International, Ndubuisi Okosieme has expressed optimism that Eric Chelle-led Super Eagles will approach Rwanda match with all degree of seriousness as both countries clash this month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Kigali Rwanda.
Speaking on the possibility of the Super Eagles beating Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the crucial World Cup qualifying matches, Okosieme expressed confidence that with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho on parade, Rwanda and Zimbabwe would find it difficult to stop the Super Eagles from actualizing their World Cup dream.
“I think we have a team that can stand the test of time. Chelle, is new to Nigeria, but as a coach who knows what he wants, he should know that this is not a match to test run players, this is a crucial game that needs serious concentration from both the players and the officials.
He has an uphill task. I saw the 39-man list invited, he must take his time to select the best because Rwanda and Zimbabwe might not be easy teams to beat. The countries in our group are all potential World Cup teams fighting for the same purpose.”
“I feel selection of players should be based on merit, players who play regularly in their clubs in Europe should be given priority. I’m confident that the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho would do well because they know that Nigerians are looking up to them to give us the World Cup ticket.”
In the same vein, former Nigeria International, Baldwin Bazuaye, is backing the team to get back to winning ways when they file out against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
“I’m very sure that the Super Eagles will excel in this two games. For me, Nigeria is a big threat to Rwanda and Zimbabwe, we have highly experienced players who are doing excellently well in their various clubs in Europe. I expect them to win both matches even though they didn’t start to qualifiers well. The players know the consequences of missing out on another World Cup and won’t want a repeat of such. They must all try and be at their best because the remaining matches are must win for them,” he stressed.
