Mutiu Adepoju warns Super Eagles: No room for dropped points Against Rwanda

By: Monsurah Olatunji

Ex-international Mutiu Adepoju has issued a stern warning to the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, emphasizing that dropping points in this match could severely damage Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the tournament.

The three-time African champions are currently languishing in 5th place in Group C, with just three points from their first four matches. With the clock ticking on their qualification hopes, Adepoju stressed the importance of securing all three points from their upcoming clash against Rwanda.

“It’s victory that we expect and a good performance from the players, good football and victory in all the matches that they are going to play,” Adepoju told Soccernet.ng. “All Nigerians are expecting a victory because of the importance of all the matches, we cannot afford to lose or draw any of the matches in the qualifiers for the World Cup if we want to go for the World Cup.”

Rwanda, who have impressed in the qualifiers with seven points from their first four games, will pose a significant challenge for Nigeria. The Amavubi are in strong form and will look to exploit Nigeria’s struggles. Adepoju, who represented Nigeria in three World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, highlighted the importance of looking forward and not taking anything for granted.

Despite Nigeria’s superior history in African football, including three AFCON titles and six World Cup appearances, their past visits to Rwanda have been anything but straightforward. The Super Eagles have drawn all three of their previous trips to Rwanda, with their only goal on Rwandan soil coming from Obafemi Martins in a 2005 World Cup qualifier.

With a tough challenge ahead, Adepoju has backed newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle to lead the team to victory, adding that both the coach and the players are capable of securing the much-needed three points.

“I just believe that Chelle is capable and the players are capable,” Adepoju concluded.

As Nigeria faces a critical juncture in their World Cup qualification campaign, Adepoju’s call for a focused and determined performance will resonate with fans and players alike, who are all eager to see the Super Eagles rise to the challenge.