Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were enhanced on Friday evening with a heartwarming 2-0 win over the Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali.
The win was Nigeria’s first win in five games in the World Cup qualifiers albeit South Africa leads the Group C pack with 10 points while Benin Republic are second on right points after that 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe.
The Standard Gazette’s Michael Arinze Okosi here presents the five takeaways from the game.
- The Eagles pressing game
Eric Chelles showed a glimpse of his coaching philosophy as his team stifled the home side and forced them into errors leading to corner kicks and clumsy clearances.
- Lack of Super Eagles creative play
The Super Eagles still lack a creative midfield maestro similar to Austin Jay Jay Okocha.
Although Alex Iwobi has been more impressive in the number 10 role than he has not, despite some criticisms from a section of the supporters, the team still struggle to break down teams that play the low block.
When the team win, they tend to do so most times with goals from the wings or from setpieces albeit Osimhen’s second goal was not the norm.
- Chukwueze fails to shut critics
AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze was subbed off midway through the game.
The former Villarreal star has been described as a player who performs very impressively at club level but struggles to replicate the same form in the national team.
Chukwueze aside from one moment of rare promise could not get his market and deliver quality passed into the box.
It will be nice to know the ‘encouraging’ words spoken to him by Wilfred Ndidi prior to the kickoff.
- Improved midfield
The introduction of Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf in the second half saw Leicester City’s Ndidi pushed up to support the attack.
That ensured that there was better protection for the central defence.
Ndidi played closer to Tolu Arokodare who replaced Victor Osimhen in attack while Alex Iwobi played from the left wing and drifted infield.
- Rwanda’s Second half efforts
The Rwandans had considerable possession of the ball in the second half and it seemed they had a fighting chance to get at least a goal.
Ultimately the Eagle’s defence did enough to see out the game.
