Nigeria’s hopes for a perfect start to their AFCON qualifying campaign were halted as the Super Eagles were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen, who led his team to a 3-0 win over Benin just three days ago, aimed to maintain a 100 per cent record but had to settle for a point against the resilient Wasps.
Despite the draw, Nigeria retained their position as group leaders, extending their unbeaten run against Rwanda to six matches.
First Half
Eguavoen made just one change to the team that triumphed over Benin, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replacing Alex Iwobi in midfield. Victor Osimhen, who scored in the previous match, was benched as Victor Boniface led the attack.
Nigeria dominated the first half, creating multiple scoring opportunities but failing to find the back of the net. Ademola Lookman, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s victory against Benin with a brace, thought he had scored in the 22nd minute, only for his goal to be ruled out due to a foul by Boniface.
Boniface, who had another chance earlier, saw his effort blocked by Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. Minutes later, the Atalanta forward hit the post, with Lookman’s follow-up header cleared off the line.
Bruno Onyemaechi came close after connecting with a cross from Semi Ajayi, but his header narrowly missed the target. Despite their inefficiency in front of goal, Nigeria ended the first half as the dominant side.
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Second Half
Eguavoen made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Osimhen and Moses Simon for Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze. The Super Eagles came out strong, with Dele-Bashiru shooting wide and Simon forcing a save from the Rwandan goalkeeper within the first ten minutes of the second half.
However, Rwanda grew in confidence, enjoying more possession as the game progressed. Still, Nigeria created better chances, with Simon and Osimhen testing Ntwari, who delivered a remarkable performance. In stoppage time, the Rwandan goalkeeper made a crucial save from an Osimhen header to deny Nigeria a late winner.
What’s Next?
Though the Super Eagles may be disappointed with the draw, they will focus on their next challenge: a doubleheader against Libya in the AFCON qualifiers. Nigeria will host the Libyans in October before traveling to Tripoli eight days later for the return leg.
