Atalanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist Abiodun Obafemi has voiced his frustration with the dearth of dedication displayed by some Tremendous Eagles gamers following their 2-1 defeat to Rwanda within the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Soccernet.ng experiences.
The match, performed on Monday in Uyo, noticed Nigeria, ranked amongst Africa’s high 5 groups, succumb to a surprising loss in opposition to the 126th-ranked Rwandan facet.
The defeat was all of the extra shocking given Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON, which led to the absence of some key gamers.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen made the choice to permit Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman to go away the Tremendous Eagles’ camp early and return to their golf equipment, whereas star striker Victor Osimhen started the sport on the bench.
This technique, supposed to supply fringe gamers with a possibility, in the end backfired as Nigeria suffered their first-ever defeat to Rwanda.
In an interview with Brila FM, Obafemi expressed disappointment over the efficiency of some gamers, questioning their dedication to the nationwide workforce.
Obafemi mentioned: “We anticipated a lot from these guys based mostly on their performances with their golf equipment, however once they come to Nigeria, they do what they can not of their groups. It’s a really huge concern.
“They should be aggressive. I don’t perceive why they’re choosing video games.”
Wanting forward, Nigeria’s subsequent problem will likely be in opposition to Rwanda in March, as a part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign.
After beginning their marketing campaign with 4 video games with out a win, the Tremendous Eagles now face the stress of successful all their remaining six matches to qualify.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has additional heightened the urgency surrounding their efficiency.
