Eguavoen Confident Ahead Of Rwanda Clash, Says Eagles Respect All But Fear None.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed confidence in his team as they prepare to face Rwanda in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday. Fresh off a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, Eguavoen, who is in his fourth stint as coach of the Super Eagles, emphasised that while they respect all teams, they are not intimidated by any.
“We play to win all the time because Nigerians expect their team to win all the time. We have great personnel, and while we respect every team, we don’t get intimidated by any,” Eguavoen said ahead of the match at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium. “Our objective for Tuesday’s game is the three points.”
Team captain William Troost-Ekong echoed Eguavoen’s sentiments during the pre-match press conference, stating that the team is united under their experienced coach. “We are here for a purpose. With Coach Eguavoen, who has coached the team before, we all feel like a family. We will play for each other and go for the three points that will establish us at the top of the table,” said Ekong.
Nigeria, sitting at the top of the table after their comprehensive win against the Cheetahs, face the Amavubi of Rwanda at the refurbished 45,000-capacity Amahoro Stadium. This encounter marks the first of four meetings between the teams over the next year, including two FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Rwanda’s German coach, Torsten Spittler, has inspired hope in the country’s 13 million citizens, aiming to guide the Amavubi to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since 2004. Spittler has led the team to an impressive run of form, with three wins, four draws, and only one loss in their last eight matches.
Rwanda will look to their solid defence, led by Claude Niyomugabo and Fitina Omborenga, to hold off Nigeria’s star forwards, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who were instrumental in the Super Eagles’ recent victory over Benin Republic. Spittler also has confidence in his midfield and attacking players, including Olivier Niyonzima and Gilbert Mugisha, to pose a threat to the Nigerian defence.
Eguavoen confirmed that all 23 players in the Nigerian squad are fit and ready for the clash, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali expected to start. The defence is likely to feature captain Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Wilfred Ndidi could anchor the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi or Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The attacking trio of Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze is anticipated to lead the line once again.
The match kicks off at 2pm Nigerian time as the Super Eagles aim to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position at the top of the qualifying table.
