Super Eagles Held to Goalless Draw by Rwanda in Kigali

Oluwasegun SanusiSeptember 10, 20241 Mins read249

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by the Rwandan side in their second AFCON 2025 qualifier in Kigali.

Despite dominating game stretches, Nigeria could not break the Rwandan defence as both teams left with a point each.

The attack by Nigeria opened brightly, and in the 23rd minute, Ademola Lookman had thought he had given his side the lead after beating the Rwandan goalkeeper.

However, it was controversially ruled out for a foul in the buildup, which raised many arguments over the officiating. Replays suggested the decision may have been a little harsh.

Stanley Nwabali, who kept his second clean sheet in as many games, hardly had anything to do all through the match, with the Nigerian backline often having to be on its guard-most, particularly on the left flank, where Ola Aina was kept busy by Rwanda’s forward line.

It was a somewhat evenly matched first half, as Rwanda threatened occasionally, but Nigeria created chances yet could not score.

As the game progressed, it became clear that Nigeria would find it hard to break down Rwanda’s disciplined defence.

Some heavy challenges went in on Super Eagles’ forward Samuel Chukwueze, with both he and Rwanda’s Djihad Bizimana going into the referee’s book after a hard tackle in the first half.

But Nigeria, despite having a more significant share of possession and shots on target, lacked the cutting edge to take all three points. On the other hand, the Rwandans were solid in defence and aggressive in repelling the Super Eagles from getting a goal.

With two matches played, Nigeria lies behind Rwanda on the log with four points from a possible six.

The Super Eagles must put the next round of qualifiers into gear with their clinical edge in front of the goal.

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