Patrick Pascal, the Team Coordinator of the Super Eagles, has addressed the wave of criticism directed at the players for their perceived "carefree" behavior following their recent 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali. The backlash came after a video surfaced on social media, showing Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, and Alex Iwobi joyfully dancing and celebrating in the dressing room post-match.

Despite the high stakes surrounding Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, the celebratory footage sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with some arguing that the team should remain serious and focused on their next challenges. Others, however, defended the players, stating that victory celebrations are a normal part of football culture worldwide.

In an exclusive interview with Brila FM, Pascal dismissed the negative reactions, attributing them to unnecessary scrutiny and jealousy towards the current crop of Nigerian players.

He stated, “Those criticizing them should understand that football has evolved over the years. Some of these critics are just jealous of these players. When Rwanda came to Nigeria and defeated us, didn’t they also celebrate and dance? It’s a part of modern football. The current generation of players is different from our time when we played. Back then, there were no social media platforms or smartphones recording everything.”

Pascal further emphasized that it is common practice for teams to celebrate victories inside the dressing room, regardless of the competition or circumstances. “In dressing rooms all over the world, players celebrate after winning matches. People should not make a big deal out of it. These players are professionals who understand what’s at stake,” he added.

With Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign still ongoing, Pascal reassured fans that the Super Eagles are completely focused on their upcoming fixture against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday. The match is crucial for both teams as they look to improve their standing in Group C and secure a spot in the global tournament.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver strong performances and urged Nigerians to support the players rather than dwell on unnecessary distractions.