Ikpeba Cautions Super Eagles On Complacency Against Rwanda

Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has urged the Super Eagles not to underestimate their opponents, Rwanda, ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier clash in Kigali on Friday.

Ikpeba, who spoke on SuperSport TV’s Monday Night Football, warned the team against complacency, emphasizing that names don’t win matches in African football.

“We have what it takes to beat the Rwandans, but we have to earn it,” Ikpeba said. “We can’t underrate them. Yes, when you look at the 23-man list, it’s frightening because of the quality of talents we have there, but we are still in African football.”

Ikpeba’s caution is timely, given the Super Eagles’ disappointing start to their qualifying campaign. With just three points from four matches, the team sits in fifth place in Group C, four points behind leaders Rwanda.

The ex-international predicted that Rwanda would be content with a draw, but emphasized that the Super Eagles must go for the maximum points.

“Rwanda will play for a point, but we have to go get the maximum points,” Ikpeba said. “Three training sessions will be fine, and they are coming with match fitness. Now it’s time to play for pride.”

The Super Eagles will face Rwanda on Friday, before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Tuesday. With new coach Eric Chelle at the helm, the team will be hoping to revive their qualifying campaign and keep their hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup alive.