Rwanda began the brighter of the two sides but the Super Eagles later took charge and controlled the game
By Kehinde Okeowo
Rwanda held the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a goalless draw in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played on Tuesday afternoon at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali.
Nigeria’s caretaker head coach, Austin Eguavoen made only one change to the team that defeated Benin 3-0 on Saturday, with Alex Iwobi dropping to the bench and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking his spot.
Despite scoring one of the goals against the Cheetahs, Victor Osimhen was also listed among the substitutes while Victor Boniface again led the attack.
The home side began the brighter of the two sides, however, the Super Eagles later took charge and started controlling the game.
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Nigeria played on the front foot for the best part of the first half, created several goalscoring chances, and were unlucky to head into the break without a goal.
Lookman, who grabbed a brilliant brace in Uyo, headed the ball into the net in the 22nd minute but the effort was ruled out for a Boniface foul.
Boniface also thought he had his name on the scoresheet but his effort ricocheted off the post. Lookman was on and to nod the rebound but it was cleared off the line as the Super Eagles searched for the opening goal.
Shortly after, Bruno Onyemaechi joined the attack and found himself at the back of a delicious Semi Ajayi cross, however, the wingback directed his header agonisingly wide off target.
There will be no two wins in two games for Eguavoen, but despite his team’s inefficiency in front of goal, he would be the happier of the two managers.