Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed disappointment after his team’s 1-2 loss to Rwanda in the ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, ended in a surprising defeat for Nigeria.
Speaking after the game, Eguavoen admitted the team fell short of expectations. “Below standard, I feel very sad right now. It was not what we planned for,” he said.
The match was goalless at halftime, but Nigeria took the lead when Samuel Chukwueze scored. However, Rwanda equalized shortly after through Samuel Marie. A second goal from Rwanda sealed their victory, leaving the Super Eagles struggling to respond despite tactical changes.
“We scored, and then against the run of play, we conceded,” Eguavoen explained. “I tried to change formation, but it didn’t work. We brought in two strikers, and it just didn’t happen for us today. But I still very much believe in this team.”
Despite the loss, Nigeria remains at the top of the group with 10 points, securing their qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Rwanda’s coach, Torsten Spittler, praised his team for following instructions and delivering a strong performance. “I’m very proud of my boys and how they played here in Nigeria. I think it was well-deserved,” Spittler said.
He acknowledged that Rwanda’s victory was a significant moment, even though the team did not qualify for AFCON. “We gave them a hard time from the beginning; you could see in the faces of Nigerian players that they didn’t enjoy this evening,” he added.
While the defeat was a setback for the Super Eagles, their qualification for Morocco 2025 offers a chance for redemption.
