AFCON 2025: Eguavoen Laments Super Eagles’ Loss to Rwanda
Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed disappointment after Nigeria’s 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in an AFCON 2025 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Despite the setback, the Super Eagles secured their place at the tournament in Morocco, topping their group with 10 points.
In a post-match interview, Eguavoen admitted the team’s performance fell below expectations.
“Below standard, I feel very sad right now. It was not what we planned for,” Eguavoen said. “We scored, and then against the run of play, we conceded. I tried to change the formation, but it didn’t work.
“Football is about winning, losing, or drawing. I think we have a strong squad, but it just didn’t happen for us today. I still very much believe in this team.”
The match remained goalless in the first half, but Samuel Chukwueze gave Nigeria the lead early in the second half. However, Rwanda’s Samuel Marie equalized shortly after, and a second goal sealed the visitors’ shock victory.
Rwanda’s coach, Torsten Spittler, praised his team’s discipline and execution of the game plan.
“I’m very proud of my boys and how they played here in Nigeria. I think it was well-deserved. We defended well and played good football,” Spittler said.
He highlighted the emotional significance of the win, despite Rwanda’s inability to qualify for the tournament.
“Maybe today is our lucky day and a happy day for us, even though we have not qualified for the AFCON. We came here and got three points. 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.
Although the defeat is a blow for Nigeria, their qualification ensures they will have an opportunity to compete for continental glory in Morocco in 2025. Fans now await the team’s preparations to bounce back stronger at the tournament.
