Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has voiced his disappointment following Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday.
Match Summary
– **Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
– Result: Rwanda 2-1 Nigeria
– Goals:
– Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria, 59′)
– Jimmy Mutsinzi (Rwanda)
– Innocent Nshuti (Rwanda)
Nigeria initially led through Samuel Chukwueze’s strike before Rwanda’s Amavubi turned the game around with goals from Jimmy Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti, clinching a vital away victory.
Eguavoen described the performance as “below standard,” expressing his disappointment over the unexpected loss.
“This result was not what we planned for. We scored and were pushing for a second goal, but, quite against the run of play, we conceded. I tried to change the formation, but it didn’t work,” he said post-match.
Implications
The defeat raises concerns about Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming AFCON tournament, despite already securing qualification. Fans and analysts alike will scrutinize the team’s performance as they gear up for the continental competition.
The Super Eagles now face pressure to regroup and perform better in subsequent fixtures under Eguavoen’s temporary management.
