Super Eagles interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence that the Nigerian national team will bounce back from their disappointing performances in the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when the World Cup qualifiers resume in 2025.
Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign ended on a poor note, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on Monday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
This followed a disappointing 1-1 draw with Benin Republic last Thursday, leaving the team winless in their last two qualifiers.
Despite the setbacks, Eguavoen remained optimistic about the team’s future. The Super Eagles, who had already secured their place in the 2025 AFCON as Group D winners before these last two matches, were without several key players for the final stretch of the qualifiers.
After a goalless first half, Nigeria took the lead in the 59th minute through a brilliant solo goal by Samuel Chukwueze. The winger dribbled past three Rwandan defenders before slotting the ball past Rwanda’s goalkeeper Ntwari. However, the Rwandans mounted a strong comeback, equalizing in the 72nd minute through a header by Jimmy Mutsinzi.
Just three minutes later, Innocent Nshuti gave Rwanda the lead with a second goal, and they held onto it for the remainder of the match, claiming their first-ever victory over Nigeria.
Despite the loss, the match did not impact Nigeria’s qualification for AFCON 2025, as they had already secured their spot in Morocco. However, the performance, particularly at home, sparked criticism from fans on social media.
In his post-match remarks, Eguavoen acknowledged the team’s subpar display but reassured fans that improvements would be made before the next international break.
“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,” Eguavoen said.
He continued, “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.”
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Eguavoen also took the opportunity to express his support for struggling striker Victor Boniface, who endured another frustrating game, continuing his search for his first goal for Nigeria. Boniface, who made his debut in September 2023, has now gone 11 appearances without scoring.
“Yes, good question. Boniface is capable of great things, especially in his club. When he comes here, we try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time,” Eguavoen said. “I’m somebody who wants to give players confidence. I’ve done enough, but for whatever reason, he’s still not clicking with the team.”
Looking ahead, Eguavoen is focused on the Super Eagles’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March 2025. The team will face Rwanda again during that window, and the interim manager is hopeful that they will have a better showing as they continue their preparations.
The Super Eagles’ next challenge will be to build momentum in the World Cup qualifiers and improve on their recent form, with Eguavoen remaining confident in the team’s potential despite the setbacks in the AFCON qualifiers.
