'Very big event' - Youngest Nigerian player in World Cup history predicts outcome of Rwanda v Nigeria

Former Super Eagles forward Femi Opabunmi has backed Nigeria to secure a crucial victory against Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Opabunmi became the youngest Nigerian player to feature in the World Cup when he replaced Pius Ikedia in the 86th minutes of the Super Eagles goalless draw with England on June 12, 2002, aged 17 years and 101 days. 

Opabunmi, speaking ahead of the game, predicted a 2-0 win for the Super Eagles, highlighting the team’s quality and determination to qualify for the global tournament.

Currently sitting fifth in Group C with three points, Nigeria is in desperate need of a win to revive its World Cup qualification hopes.

The Super Eagles will be looking to turn their fortunes around and climb the table with a convincing performance.

Opabunmi emphasized the importance of the game and expressed confidence in the players and coaching staff.

“This is a crucial stage for Nigeria, and we need qualification for the World Cup," Opabunmi told allnigeriasoccer.com ahead of kickoff.

"That is a very big event in the world, the highest event in football. I can see that NFF and coaching staff are doing their best to make it happen (win against Rwanda).

"I can see for the Super Eagles, players, and the caliber of players in camp right now, I can see that the spirit is high.

"They know the formation he wants to use. But I want the players to be disciplined on the field because they know that all Nigerians what we want today is victory.”

The former Nigerian international also responded to comments made by Rwanda’s Djihad Bizimana, who dismissed the threat posed by Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

"The Rwandan defender that is talking that he has the caliber of players that we want to use the likes of Osimhen and Lookman as a defender he has to defend his country," Opabunmi remarked

"The last two matches we played against Rwanda you can see that there is no unity in the team. Now you will see that all of them are determined because all of them want to go to the world cup. It is the dream of all players."

"The Rwandan defender talking you will see Osimhen and Lookman will shock him today. I predict Nigeria to win against Rwanda 2-0."

As Nigeria prepares for the clash, head coach Eric Chelle will hope his side can live up to expectations and secure the much-needed victory to boost their qualification chances.

Adeyemi Adewale

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