Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed disappointment over his team’s 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in their ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifier, admitting the performance fell below expectations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, ended in a goalless first half before Rwanda staged an upset in the second half.
Speaking to reporters after the game on Monday, Eguavoen described the loss as a tough blow, particularly at home, where he had hoped his strategic plans would secure victory.
“It’s a sad day for us,” he lamented, reflecting on the missed opportunity to strengthen their qualification bid.
He, however, expressed confidence in the players’ ability, as football is all about winning, losing, or drawing.
“Below standard, I feel very sad right now. It was not what we planned for.
“We scored, and then against the run of play we conceded, and I tried to change formation, but it didn’t work.
“We conceded a second goal, we changed the game formation, brought in two strikers, and it just didn’t work.
“Football is about winning, losing, or drawing. I think we have a strong squad, but it just didn’t happen for us today. But I still very much believe in this team,” he said.
Samuel Chukwueze netted Nigeria’s lone goal, but Rwanda’s Samuel Marie responded with an equalizer within 10 minutes, capitalizing on a swift counterattack.
Rwanda’s coach, Torsten Spittler, expressed pride in his team’s performance, commending them for adhering to his tactical instructions.
Speaking after the match, Spittler shared his joy at defeating the Super Eagles on their home turf, stating, “I told my boys to give their best and frustrate the Super Eagles, and they executed the plan perfectly.”
“I’m very proud of my boys and how they played here in Nigeria. I think it was well deserved. We defended well and played good football.
“Maybe today is our lucky day and a happy day for us, even though we have not qualified for the AFCON, but I think we are happy to have come here and get three points.
“We gave them a hard time from the beginning; you could see in the faces of Nigerian players that they didn’t enjoy this evening,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of the defeat, the Super Eagles topped the group with 10 points to qualify for the AFCON scheduled for Morocco in 2025.
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