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The Super Eagles head coach has taken a strong stance as his team looks to build on last week’s victory over Rwanda. With Nigeria aiming to boost their World Cup qualification hopes, the Malian tactician made it clear that he is in full control of team selections and tactics.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s match against Zimbabwe, the coach responded firmly to questions about his system and how the players fit into it.
"I spoke to my guys during the week. Anybody in this team can play. My job is to make the choices, and their job is to accept my choice," he said, leaving no room for debate.
The Super Eagles boss also emphasized that his focus remains on securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"The most important thing is to win in the World Cup qualifiers. We have some great players, and they need to go to the World Cup," he stated confidently.
Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C with six points, trailing group leaders South Africa by four points at the halfway stage of the qualifiers.
The team’s 2-0 win away at Rwanda was their first victory in the campaign after drawing three and losing one of their opening four matches. One of those draws came against Zimbabwe, where Nigeria had to fight back to secure a 1-1 result.
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22:09 - 23.03.2025
Nigerian boy sells Victor Boniface’s boots to Rwandan player, buys bicycle and school supplies
A Nigerian boy from Uyo has shared the remarkable story of how he came into possession of Victor Boniface’s football boots and made a tidy profit by selling them to a Rwandan player.
Nigeria’s opportunity to close the gap
With South Africa leading the group on 10 points and Benin Republic in second place with eight points, Nigeria has a chance to close the gap. Rwanda sits in third place with seven points, just one ahead of the Super Eagles.
However, if Benin manages to defeat South Africa, Nigeria could end this round of qualifiers just two points off the top. This would put them in a strong position heading into the next phase, especially with Benin still set to visit Nigeria and the Super Eagles having an away clash against South Africa.
With their fate still in their own hands, a win against Zimbabwe is crucial for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
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