Penalty specialist Omeruo's heartfelt message to Osimhen-led Eagles after Rwanda masterclass

Omeruo hails Osimhen and Super Eagles after win against Rwanda.

Penalty specialist Omeruo's heartfelt message to Osimhen-led Eagles after Rwanda masterclass

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 12:28 - 23.03.2025

How AFCON 2013 winner Kenneth Omeruo reacted to his Super Eagles teammates led by Victor Osimhen's victory against Rwanda to revive Nigeria's World Cup hopes.

AFCON 2013 winner and Super Eagles penalty-kick maestro in the 2023 edition, Kenneth Omeruo couldn’t hide his delight as he watched his national teammates, led by the talismanic Victor Osimhen, secure a vital 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday night.

Currently sidelined from the squad due to injury, the Kasimpasa defender, took to social media to laud the team’s performance in Kigali, a win that reignited Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles’ victory against the Amavubi Stars at the Amahoro Stadium marked a huge step forward in their Group C campaign, with Osimhen’s clinical brace sealing the three points.

The result showed the team’s growing cohesion under new head coach Eric Chelle, blending high-pressing tactics with moments of individual brilliance.

Osimhen was too hot for Rwanda.

For Omeruo, a veteran of Nigeria’s last AFCON triumph over a decade ago, it was a display worth celebrating.

“Una too sabi play ball abeg,” Omeruo posted on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after the final whistle. The pidgin phrase translating roughly to “You guys know how to play football, please!” captured his admiration in a tone that resonated with fans across Nigeria.

Kenneth Omeruo (Photo Credit: Omeruo/X)

The 31-year-old, known for his cool-headed defending and clutch penalty-taking, has been a vocal supporter of the squad despite his absence from recent call-ups due to a knee injury sustained in 2024.

Omeruo’s reaction shows the optimism surging through the Super Eagles’ camp. The victory, Nigeria’s first in Kigali since a string of frustrating draws on Rwandan soil, lifted them to fourth in their qualifying group.

The Super Eagles

With Osimhen leading the line and Chelle’s tactical imprint taking hold, the team now looks ahead to Tuesday’s clash with Zimbabwe in Uyo, a chance to build on this momentum.

While Omeruo didn’t elaborate further in his post, his words carried weight given his pedigree. A key figure in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph under the late Stephen Keshi, he’s no stranger to high-stakes moments—his composure from the penalty spot has earned him a reputation as one of the team’s specialists.

Osimhen dinks the goalkeeper for his second goal.

Watching from afar, he saw a squad echoing the hunger and unity of that golden era, with Osimhen emerging as the spearhead of a new generation.

The Super Eagles’ performance wasn’t flawless, Rwanda pressed hard in spells, but Osimhen’s predatory finishing and the team’s resilience shone through.

Victor Osimhen celebrates the opener by pointing towards Ademola Lookman.

For Omeruo, it was a sign of bigger things to come. As Nigeria’s World Cup dreams flicker back to life, his message was clear: this team has the talent and spirit to go the distance.