Super Eagles of Nigeria fans are not happy with Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour of Egypt after a 0-0 draw against Rwanda in Kigali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria played the Amavubi of Rwanda in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification for 2025, ending in a scoreless tie.
Following their convincing 3-0 victory over the Benin Republic's Cheetahs to open their qualification campaign, the Super Eagles were brimming with confidence.
In contrast, Rwanda was finally happy to be at home following a 1-1 draw in Tripoli against Libya on the road.
Rwanda 0-0 Nigeria
The Rwandan team, performing for their home crowd, had incredible support.
The Nigerian Super Eagles then rallied to retake the lead and took control of the action.
Ademola Lookman scored in the twenty-third minute, but the referees inexplicably disqualified it for a foul.
After review, the goal should have stood, however at Kigali's Amahoro Stadium, there was no Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The first half concluded without a goal for Nigeria, but Victor Boniface would strike the post on another opportunity.
Samuel Chukuweze and Victor Boniface were replaced in the second half by Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon, respectively, by acting head coach Austin Eguavoen.
To invigorate the midfield, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka replaced Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele0 Bashiru.
Despite their best efforts, the Super Eagles were unable to breach the Rwandan defense.
With a strong defense, the Rwandans managed to hold out for a draw.
Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour
After the game, Nigerians lamented the officiating that cost them a goal against Rwanda.
Egyptian referee Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour was called out for his performance in the game
Nigerians believe that he sabotaged the Super Eagles' efforts in the game calling a foul on the goal by Lookman.
They also were of the opinion that if the goal had stood the tempo of the game would be different forcing the Rwandans to attack more.
See reactions to referee Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour below
The Super Eagles will now continue their AFCON 2025 qualification journey with a home and away fixture against Libya in October.