Former Nigeria international midfielder, Adebayo Gbadebo, has has outlined the importance of victory for the Super Eagles in this weekend's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Gbadebo warns that the result of the game have the ultimate potential to determine if Nigeria's 7th World Cup finals appearance could be achieved. 

Gbadebo, a University of Ibadan graduate and who is now a coach based in Bangkok, Thailand, admitted that Super Eagles position on the group C table is precarious, making it mandatory for the team to win all its games in remaining matches starting from this weekend's clash against Rwanda.

Gbadebo warned that Super Eagles should not underrate their hosts since on the balance of scale, Nigeria has players with top European experience. He also reminded the team to be handled by Mali-born gaffer, Eric Sekou Chelle, not to be carried away by profile and never to be complacent in the all important game.

Gbadebo spoke to Exclusivenews.com.ng from his base in Bangkok on the importance of the Rwanda match to the Super Eagles in relation to Nigeria's aspiration to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals to be hosted, for the first, by three nations, Mexico, USA, and Canada.

"First, let me talk about what I've observed in the team's preparation. 

"I've seen that for the first time for this kind of match, most of our players are in top form leading up to the crucial game. The coach has made some changes, especially from players that are coming from Europe.

"They have also invited some in-form players and who are in shape. The players also arrived camp in record time too. But what we do not yet know is the kind of system or tactical approach the team is going to adopt. But we've seen some changes and some of them are very good.

"As we speak today, Tuesday, 22 out of the 23 players invited for the match are already in the camp. This is a very big plus for the team. And you can see all the players, from day one, including the technical crew, know what's at stake.

"Nigeria at this point, needs to win all the remaining six matches in the qualifiers, whether at home or at away. So I believe, a lot is on the table for Nigeria to play for. 

"We cannot afford to drop any points now; we should not draw, or lose any single game. Football, as we know now, doesn't recognise who's playing at home or at away. If you prepare very well and have the right players, you stand a chance to win. 

"Nigeria has the right players and who are in the same level of form now. Yes, with due respect to the Rwandan team, they have a team that's United and a team that has been together for sometime but we cannot compare their level  with that of the Super Eagles players that are in camp at the moment and who are already really ready for result if all the necessary things are put in place, basing on the strenght that we've and guide against our weaknesses especially the set-pieces that are always bound to come in a game.

"As soon as that one is carefully taken care of, I think we have the edge over Rwanda going into this game. Yes, they are playing at home but we've players that have the experience, the quality and also know what's at stake. All the players know what's at stake is nothing less than winning, there's no draw.

"So, I thing we should stand behind the team and also encourage them . You can also see that the (new) coach is also doing a good work. We can only hope and pray that on the matchday, they get things right .

"I know its going to be a very tough match, playing away from home but we don't have any choice, I mean the Super Eagles must have to take the three points to Nigeria and I can see us doing just that. 

"But the danger is, we (the  Super Eagles) cannot afford to be complacent and cannot afford to take Rwanda for granted. Its going to be a fight for all, a strong match and a 'winner takes all' game. So, we really need to get our acts together. With God, everything is possible. With the form that our boys are now and the fact that our new coach is fired up, the players are happy with him, all the staff are happy with him, so let us get the result that we want in this match", the former Stationery Stores of Lagos midfielder submitted..