Five takeaways from Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON qualifiers draw against Rwanda

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by the Wasps of Rwanda during their 2025 AFCON qualifiers in Kigali on Tuesday.

Three days earlier, Austin Eguavoen’s charges walloped Benin Republic 3-0 in Uyo in their opening match of the qualifiers.

Reactions from the Super Eagles fans have indicated that Nigerians are pleased with the performance and outcome of both games.

The three-time AFCON winners were unlucky to grab all three points against Rwanda after missing numerous opportunities. Ademola Lookman saw his first half header ruled out in controversial circumstances – a goal many analysts believed should have stood.

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NRTC takes a succinct review of the Super Eagles outing.

1. Super Eagles dominant but unlucky

Over both halves, the Super Eagles dominated possession and were largely in control. Nigeria dictated the pace of the game for long spells but were just unlucky to transform their dominance into goals.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface was denied by the crossbar when his left-footed shot appeared destined for a goal.

2. Rwanda goalkeeper was rock-solid

Despite all the attacking forays by the Super Eagles, Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari denied Nigeria several times.

From Boniface and Lookman to substitutes Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen, Nigeria were stopped by the Kaizer Chiefs goalie.

He was Rwanda’s hero and was the reason the thousands of fans in the stands celebrated after the draw.

3. Dele-Bashiru looked very good in midfield

After advocating for the Lazio man for more starting berths with the Super Eagles, it was interesting to see him in the first XI for the game.

He was the only change from the starting XI that faced Benin on Saturday, replacing Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru impressed throughout his time on the pitch just as he did after he came on against the Squirrels. He and Wilfred Ndidi controlled the midfield and were brilliant with their overall displays.

4. Onyeka-Onyedika experiment turned out well

Eguavoen experimented with two defensive midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika with 20 minutes to the end of the game. This was when Nigeria was in search of a goal.

This decision raised eyebrows but to the surprise of many, the defence did not lag neither was the attack affected as both midfielders turned out commendable performances over the short period they were on the pitch.

5. Austin Eguavoen’s team is an attack-oriented and entertaining one

Over the two 2025 AFCON qualifiers, what we boldly saw was a Nigerian side that displayed beautiful attacking flair.

Nigeria is blessed with a wide array of fantastic players who ply their trade in some of the biggest leagues in Europe. Eguavoen was able to unleash them during this qualifiers and Nigerians enjoyed watching them.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi came on in injury time against Rwanda and was an unused substitute against Benin. Kelechi Iheanacho did not see any minute over the two matches.

Lookman, Boniface, Osimhen, Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze were the main attacking threats paraded in the two games.

Asides the attackers, players like Bruno Onyemaechi and Dele-Bashiru impressed and entertained the crowd. Semi Ajayi did his defensive duties quietly and impressively. The Super Eagles were simply super in their 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.

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