World Cup Qualifying: Moses Simon declares Nigeria must strive to beat Rwanda

Nigeria national team winger Moses Simon has called on the Super Eagles to put an extra gear if they are to beat Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday seven fixture at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.

Heading into the fixture, Nigeria are lying fourth in Group C with seven points garnered from one win, four draws and one defeat. They are eight points behind table leaders South Africa, who defeated Lesotho 3-0 on Friday, while their matchday opponents Rwanda are third with eight points.

“We just have to win, there are no excuses. It doesn’t matter who scores, we don’t care, we just want to win,” Simon told ESPN ahead of the game.

“If you know anything you can do to make us win, do it. If you feel you’re better than who the coach wants to put, it is easy – speak with the coach. If you feel that if you go into the pitch, you will score five goals, it is easy, just say it.

“Everyone can stand up for you, we can speak with the coach that you have to play because now there is no time for excuses. We just need to give everything that we can. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t happen, let us know, ‘Yes, we gave our best.”

After playing Rwanda, Nigeria will head to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, September 9.

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