1996 Olympics Eagles gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro has called on the Super Eagles players to approach the dead rubber Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers game against Sao Tome and Principe with the same intensity as the World Cup finals.

Babayaro expressed confidence in his academy’s ability to beat a smaller Sao Tome side but stressed that this match is an opportunity for the Super Eagles to boost their goal tally.

He particularly highlighted the importance of Victor Osimhen increasing his goal count, drawing a comparison to how Cristiano Ronaldo takes advantage of playing against lesser nations to boost his goals for the national team.

“I was going to say to you, my academy will beat those people but by what margin? Margin determines a lot because you might get to that particular spot at the end of the day, where goals scored or margins come to play,” the former Goalkeeper stated.

“so, I think for me, it should be a game that we should be able to go in with all seriousness, give it everything that it takes.

“We should play as serious as we play like it is a World Cup final, because at the end of the day, what that says to me is.

“If we probably would beat them at 10, we might be able to beat them at 30. Why not if we can do so?”

“Today we all do respect Ronaldo is competing as the highest goal scorer in the world. But if you look at the records of some of the funny countries where they were able to play, I mean Portugal was able to play, that’s why he got those goals.

“And what that says to you is even with those many countries he goes to these games with all seriousness, all intent and purpose. That’s exactly what we should be.”

The final Afcon game is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, September 10th.