The three-time African champions surprised many fans with his impressive performances against Warriors and Crocodiles
Nigeria’s star goalkeeper Peter Rufai believes the Super Eagles’ hopes are not lost in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reports Soccernet.ng.
The Super Eagles got off to a disappointing start to qualify for the next Mundial as they failed to pick up a win in either of their first two matches.
The three-time African champions faced Lesotho on November 16 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
And three days later, the Super Eagles played Zimbabwe in Rwanda and needed a second-half goal from Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho to salvage a point.
Nigeria produced some of Africa’s most exciting attacking talent in both matches, including Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Moses Simon.
However, after scoring just two points in two games against two teams outside of the top 120 countries in world soccer, it was no surprise that the team faced harsh criticism.
However, 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner Rufai believes the Super Eagles can turn their fortunes around in the next few games.
“You can surprise us. Football is a crazy sport. I believe they can still turn things around and make Nigerians happy,” Rufai said. told BBC Sport Africa. “It’s not a disaster yet. I hope the team can turn things around and qualify for the World Cup.”
Nigeria will continue its World Cup qualifiers in June after the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles will play South Africa in Uyo on June 24 before traveling to Rwanda to take on Wasps.
After a shock 2-0 win over South Africa on Tuesday, Rwanda currently lead Group C with four points, followed by Bafana Bafana with three points. Nigeria has 2 points and she is in 3rd place.
