Nigeria vs Rwanda: Wasteful Super Eagles fail to win in Kigali trip

Nigeria vs Rwanda: Wasteful Super Eagles fail to win in Kigali trip

Faruq Ibrahim 16:03 - 10.09.2024

Austin Eguavoen's Super Eagles failed to string wins together as they were held to draw by Rwanda.

The toothless Super Eagles side were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Rwanda, as they failed to build on their exciting result against Benin Republic. 

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Following the 3-0 victory against the Cheetahs in Uyo, Austin Eguavoen's men travelled to Kigali for the second match of their AFCON qualifying campaign. While the Super Eagles showed their super individual quality in bits spread across the game, they failed to do enough to score against a well-structured Rwandan side. 

Key match details 

Both teams felt themselves out in the opening exchanges before the Super Eagles assumed a position of dominance. They monopolised possession and came close to taking the lead after a surging run from Ademola Lookman through the Rwandan backline, but the Atalanta man could not finish the action. 

Nigeria eventually found the back of the net in the 22nd minute of the encounter, with Lookman scoring; however, the goal was chalked off for offside. The game was teetering on the edge of drab, as the most exciting action for half an hour was Samuel Chukwueze’s physical altercation with Claude Niyomugabo, which earned both players a yellow card each. 

Victor Boniface, who had struggled to influence the game, burst into life in the 36th minute. He hit the upright with his thunderous attempt after a sequence of eye-catching footwork. The rebound fell to the path of Lookman, but the Ballon d'Or nominee’s tame header was easy to deal with for the Rwanda backline.

Austine Eguavoen rang changes half-time, bringing in the duo that came on to devastating effect in the victory against Benin Republic: Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon. However, the hosts had the better of the second-half's openings, but the Super Eagles soon found their footing and resumed dominance. 

The second half was more of the same. Nigeria had quality chances that fell to the likes of Osimhen and Lookman, but the duo were evidently without their shooting boots. 

Rwanda escaped unscathed, but the solitary point took the Super Eagles tally to four, and it was enough to help them stay top of Group D in AFCON qualifying.

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