Oldham Athletic U19 coach, Chukwuma Akuneto, has cautioned the Super Eagles against underestimating the challenge of playing a ‘dead rubber’ match, describing such games as “dangerous.” Completesports.com reports.
The 47-year-old coach shared his views ahead of Nigeria’s inconsequential final Group D qualifier for the 2025 AFCON, where the Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday.
Akuneto praised the current squad for developing into a cohesive and formidable unit, where players work selflessly for one another.
Also Read: AFCON 2024Q: ‘Super Eagles Must Stay Focused Despite Early Qualification’ –Gbadebo
“We are happy that this present crop of players are creating a strong group that fights for each other, as can be seen in the way they relate on and off the pitch,” Akuneto told Completesports.com from his base after watching the Super Eagles secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Matchday 5 of the Group D qualifiers. That result guaranteed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 African football showpiece in Morocco.
He added: “Good teams always rally back from the jaws of defeat to earn a positive result in the end.”
Following Thursday’s draw against Benin Republic, the Super Eagles have now turned their attention to the final group fixture against Rwanda. Akuneto, however, warned against complacency, highlighting the risks associated with ‘dead rubber’ games.
Also Read: 6 Remarkable Observations From Benin Republic 1 – 1 Nigeria
“‘Dead rubbers’ are always dangerous, as you are expected to win, but it’s not easy to motivate players for such games.
“Coach Eguavoen can use the opportunity to rest some players and give others who didn’t play on Thursday a chance to prove themselves. It’s important to rotate the squad,” Akuneto concluded.
By Sab Osuji in Uyo
