Brila Media Group Chairman, Dr. Larry Izamoje has praised the Super Eagles for securing three points against Rwanda, while stressing the importance of approaching the next clash against South Africa with full determination.
“A good three points for Nigeria, let’s thank God for the win. A coach once said it’s good to get a victory even when you don’t play well.
“When you want three points and you get it, the best thing is to look forward to the next game. So, congratulations to the team,” he said.
Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Still Alive
Dr. Izamoje expressed optimism that Nigeria can still qualify for the FIFA World Cup, especially with the possibility of FIFA deducting three points from South Africa over the eligibility case involving Teboho Mokoena.
“This is the way it looks if FIFA makes a pronouncement on Mokoena’s case, which is to say South Africa you lose three points and we go there on Tuesday and beat them. That would mean both sides have 13 points. Let’s keep our hopes alive and go to South Africa believing we can win.
“The South Africans aren’t too convinced they can walk over Nigeria; there is still that fear on their part,” he explained.
Style of Play Against South Africa
The veteran broadcaster urged the Super Eagles to adopt a progressive style of play and ensure they put the ball in the back of the net against Bafana Bafana.
“I saw more passion for victory on the bench than on the field. I think we respected the opponent too much in the first half. When it’s about winning and collecting three points, you don’t play with too much caution—and that’s what happened early on. The coach made tactical changes and the bench had their thinking caps on, which made the difference.
“After stamping authority in the first 20 minutes, we could see they came to play defensive football. At that point, you must bring in players who can carry the ball forward. Good they did it, and wonderful the way they managed the game to get the three points.”
Nothing But Victory Will Do
Dr. Izamoje stressed that Nigeria must aim for nothing less than a win against South Africa.
“A draw isn’t good. The coaches must look at their weak areas and see what we can do. We must also study their strengths and cage them. From their game against Lesotho, you can see anyone can score in that team. It isn’t only Foster—Nkota and others can also get goals. We must cage these boys.
“They also have a new man in defense, training for the first time with his teammates. The centre-back partnership will be different due to injuries, so if pressured well, they will make mistakes.”
Also read: South Africa Aim to End Winless Drought Against Nigeria
FIFA Decision on Mokoena’s Case
He further noted that South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, has already admitted that FIFA may deduct three points for fielding Mokoena against Lesotho.
“If FIFA decides against them, all they can do is let the three points go. Rules are rules, and they must be followed. Even if Lesotho hasn’t complained, or the complaint came late, it shouldn’t matter. FIFA should deduct the points.”
Early Goal Key in Bloemfontein
The Legendary sports journalist also highlighted the need to silence the South African crowd at the Free State Stadium with an early goal.
“The coach needs to play two strikers. That will rattle South Africa. Their deputy sports minister, Ms. Peace Mabe, has already urged the country to fill the stadium and shout Nigeria down. That’s why we must score an early goal to silence the crowd.
“These Eagles hold onto the ball too much. In games like this, when the stakes are high, you play elementary football—release the ball quickly. The defense is slow, the midfield transition is predictable, and too much reliance is placed on Iwobi.”
Administrators Must Be More Proactive
Lastly, he criticized the lack of administrative foresight regarding Lesotho’s choice of home ground.
“We should have protested when it was clear that Lesotho were going to play their games in South Africa. Why not take them to another African country? Playing in South Africa gave them an unfair advantage in the group.”
Looking Ahead
Nigeria will face South Africa on Tuesday in a decisive FIFA World Cup qualifier. Dr. Izamoje’s words reflect the hopes of millions of Nigerians who still believe qualification is possible, provided the team delivers in Bloemfontein.
