After Austin Eguavoen’s team defeated the Benin Republic Cheetahs 3-0 in Uyo, they traveled to Kigali for their second AFCON 2025 Qualifiers match. In the match, Ballon d’Or nominee Lookman gave Nigeria the lead in the 22nd minute of play, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Halfway through the game, Super Eagles interim coach Austine Eguavoen made substitutions, bringing on Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon; the duo played a pivotal role in the defeat of Benin Republic. Frank Onyeka also made two outstanding tackles in the 88th minute to give Nigeria a chance to score. However, the Super Eagles were unable to find the back of the net.
The Nigerian team were unable to defeat the ‘incredible’ goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, despite having 20 shots and producing three close calls.
Football-loving Nigerians took to social media after the match to share their thoughts on whether Eguaveon should stay or be replaced right away. Some believe he hasn’t been put to the test, even though many urged the NFF to keep him.
Some other supporters have expressed a great deal of annoyance and criticism over the outcome. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance on social media. After Finidi George resigned, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) named Bruno Labbadia as coach; however, Labbadia declined the position, so Austine Eguavoen was named interim coach for the two games.
Eguavoen was named the Super Eagles‘ temporary head coach in December 2021 in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations competition. Following Gernot Rohr’s dismissal, he assumed leadership. After leading Nigeria to the round of sixteen, Eguavoen returned to his previous position as the team’s technical director following a devastating loss to Tunisia.
Nigeria continues to lead Group D after the draw against Rwanda in the AFCON 2025 qualifying tournament. The Super Eagles will now play Libya at home and away in October to continue their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign.
Image Credit: Super Eagles of Nigeria via X
[…] resignation is coming after Nigeria’s second AFCON 2025 qualifying match against Rwanda, which ended goalless at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Toyin Ibitoye, a former media officer for the Super Eagles, has […]