Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, expressed deep disappointment following the Super Eagles’ unexpected 2-1 loss to Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday night in the final Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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Speaking at the post-match press conference in Uyo, Eguavoen did not mince words, labeling the team’s performance “below standard” and lamenting their inability to secure a positive result despite taking the lead early in the second half.
“This result was not what we planned for,” Eguavoen admitted. “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.”
Eguavoen acknowledged that football often delivers unpredictable outcomes and reflected on the missed opportunities and tactical missteps that allowed Rwanda to turn the match in their favor.
Eguavoen made notable changes during the game, introducing two additional strikers to bolster Nigeria’s attack after conceding the second goal. However, the shift in strategy failed to yield the desired impact.
“These things happen on certain days, and today was one of those days,” he said. “When we conceded the second goal, I made changes by introducing two strikers, yet it still didn’t work.”
The loss follows a similarly underwhelming performance against Benin Republic in Nigeria’s previous qualifier. Despite securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON, the Super Eagles’ recent displays have raised concerns about their readiness for more significant challenges.
Despite the setback, Eguavoen remains optimistic about the team’s potential:
“I still believe in this team. It has character and a strong mentality. Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen for us today. But I believe we have a good squad, a very strong one.”
He reiterated his faith in players like Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho, who struggled to make an impact during the match.
Eguavoen defended Boniface, describing him as a “top-class player” who has consistently delivered for Bayer Leverkusen. However, he acknowledged that the forward has yet to replicate his club form for the national team.
Regarding Iheanacho, Eguavoen attributed the striker’s challenges to a lack of confidence stemming from external criticism:
“Kelechi needs confidence. He’s been affected by criticism, but I’ve continued to support and talk to him.”
While Nigeria and Benin have advanced from Group D to the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, the loss to Rwanda underscores areas that require urgent attention. Eguavoen’s immediate task will be to regroup and address the team’s inconsistencies ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles’ storied reputation demands resilience, and their response to these setbacks will define their path forward.
