Former Nigeria international Henry Makinwa has told Completesports.com that the Super Eagles overpowered the Amavubi of Rwanda in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, with “fierce attacking football.”
Makinwa praised Coach Eric Sekou Chelle for his tactical approach, deploying his best players and urging them to attack relentlessly from the first whistle.
That strategy saw the Super Eagles take early control of the game, a move that paid off with Victor Osimhen’s 11th-minute opener.
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Fans Demand Midfield Reinforcement After Rwanda Win
Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead just before half-time, effectively putting the match beyond Rwanda’s reach.
Speaking from his base in Spain, Makinwa commended both the players and the coach for executing the perfect game plan, pressing the hosts early and denying them any chance to settle.
“I’m happy they approached the game with a fierce attack. There’s no other way—just attack, attack, and attack to win,” Makinwa emphasised.
“Again, the coach picked his best available players—those who were fit and ready to fight—with the right combinations. Yes, you must go with your best players who are fit.”
“The Super Eagles started with high pressing and a series of attacking moves, leading to Osimhen’s early goal, which unsettled the Rwandans. The team dictated the pace of the game for the entire 90 minutes,” he added.
The Super Eagles now sit fourth in Group C with six points, trailing leaders South Africa (10 points), second-placed Benin Republic (8 points), and Rwanda (7 points).
Also Read: 2026 WCQ: Bafana Bafana Legend Hails Osimhen After Bagging Brace Vs Rwanda
On Tuesday, 25 March 2025, Nigeria will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in another must-win fixture for the three-time African champions.
Makinwa believes Friday’s 2-0 victory in Kigali has eased some pressure on the team and significantly boosted their confidence ahead of the clash with Zimbabwe.
“The players’ confidence has increased after the win over Rwanda. This puts them in better spirits going into the Zimbabwe game, without much pressure.
“Yes, I am confident they will win and keep pushing for the World Cup ticket,” Makinwa concluded.
By Sab Osuji
