Nigeria has already qualified for the 2025 AFCON finals, but former Green Eagles midfielder Adebayo Gbadebo says the manner of their draw with Benin Republic shouldn’t be brushed aside.
Softfootball understands Gbadebo, speaking exclusively to interviewers from Bangkok, praised the team’s spirit before raising a concern.
He said:
I sincerely congratulate the Super Eagles for securing early qualification. I think the Super Eagles underestimated the fight Benin Republic would put up. That early goal and the challenging weather conditions were a wake-up call.
He didn’t hold back on the effort gap either:
We didn’t anticipate their 120% effort compared to our 90%.
Still, he expects Nigeria to handle Rwanda’s visit to Uyo on Monday.
Rwanda will come with hope and confidence, but our players, with their experience and motivation from the home crowd, should handle the pressure,
he said, adding that Monday’s game is an opportunity to affirm that the best team in Africa is back.
