Adebayo Gbadebo, a Nigeria born coach based in Thailand has disclosed that it will be a herculean task for the Super Eagles to beat Rwanda in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier going by the caliber and quality of the appointment of Sekou Chelle, a Malian as Super Eagles new Technical helmsman, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Gbadebo, a former Stationery Stores midfielder and a one time Green Eagles midfield strongman, spoke to Exclusivenews.com.ng Wednesday evening from his base in Bangkok in the aftermath of NFF's confirmation of the former Malian National Team gaffer as successor to Finidi George as Nigeria senior National Team Manager.

Gbadebo posited that as a Nigerian, it behoves on him to lend his full support to the new coach but not unmindful of the obvious fact Super Eagles 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification dream is still in doubt.

"For me, it's not about the nationality of the new Super Eagles coach", starts Gbadebo when Exclusivenews.com.ng called him up Wednesday evening.

"It's all about what his employers, in this case, the NFF, want.

"And we owe it as a patriotic responsibility to respect and support their decision and, or choice".

Nigeria is in danger of missing out in the first FIFA World Cup finals that would be staged, for the first time, in three countries, Mexico/USA/Canada.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are in third position in Group C of the qualifiers with three points behind leaders, Benin Republic with seven points and Lesotho with five points.

Nigeria needs all the maximum points in the remaining three games to have a chance of pressing to their seventh FIFA World Cup finals.

Asked about Nigeria's chances of overhauling Benin Republic and Lesotho in group C to seal their berth in the 2026 showpiece with Sekou Chelle in charge, Gbadebo pointed out it would be difficult for the Eagles to defeat Rwanda in the tough race.

"Yes, under Sekou Chelle, Mali beat Super Eagles in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

"But under same Sekou Chelle, it's Doubtful if the Super Eagles can beat Rwanda in the 2016 World Cup qualifiers", the dark-hued ex Super Stores midfield enforcer stressed.