The Super Eagles have successfully reignited their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a comfortable 2-0 win over Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali on Friday, Footynaija.com reports.
Red-hot Nigeria center forward Victor Osimhen scored twice in the first half to dispatch the Amavubi and hand the Super Eagles their first win of the ongoing qualifying campaign.
Despite securing a comfortable win in Kigali, not all the Super Eagles stars looked their best on the day. In this article, Footynaija.com fingers three players who must step up their game to ensure Nigeria’s continued resurgence when they take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 25.
3. Bright Osayi-Samuel
Osayi-Samuel was decent in terms of carrying out his defensive duties, however, he offered very little going forward. Many anticipated Ola Aina to start in the right back position but Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle opted to field the Fenerbahce defender. If he continues to be Chelle’s preferred option moving forward, Osayi-Samuel must step-up his game and provide better attacking width for the Super Eagles.
2. Alex Iwobi
Iwobi has been in fine form for Premier League side Fulham this season but the former Arsenal star was nowhere near influential for the Super Eagles in Kigali. His deep position against the Amavubi may have had a huge impact on his performance in yesterday’s game as the 28-year- old functions at his best higher up the pitch. Iwobi has proven to be a decisive player at club level but he needs to take things up a notch on the international scene.
1. Samuel Chukwueze
Chukwueze has not been at the peak of his powers for a while now and this was evident in his performance against Rwanda on Friday. The AC Milan winger supplied the assist for Osimhen’s second goal but left so much to be desired in terms of his overall performance during the game. While his talent and quality is undeniable, Chukwueze must step and match the wavelength of fellow forwards Ademola Lookman and Osimhen to keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream alive.