Rwanda’s head coach Torsten Frank Spittler has expressed his astonishment at Nigeria’s lackluster performance against South Africa and Benin Republic in the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but the team continues its lackluster performance in the World Cup qualifiers.

Finidi George’s side draw 1-1 against South Africa, before losing 2-1 Benin Republic.

In an exclusive interview with Brila FM, the German coach highlighted the stark differences between the two tournaments.

“You have to understand, this is a totally different situation,” Spittler remarked.

“Playing in the AFCON final some months ago, but with a different coach who had a three-week training camp with the players, is not the same as playing qualifiers once every three months with just one training session before a game.”

Spittler pointed out that the Nigerian squad, despite being filled with talented players, is hampered by distractions from management and loyalty from journalists.

“In Nigeria, the situation is difficult because you have good players playing in very good teams, and each player has his management and journalists supporting him.

“When you, as a coach, don’t play him, there will be a fight,” he explained.

He concluded by contrasting his situation with that of the Nigerian coach, noting, “Fortunately, I don’t have these problems like the Nigerian coach.”