Group winners Nigeria, fresh from qualifying for the 2025 AFCON with two games to spare, against an average Rwanda side that lost at home to lowly Libya.
On paper, it was supposed to be a stroll in the park.
Coach Augustine Eguaveon, rang seven changes from the previous match and playing in a 4-3-3 formation. The players played disjointedly.
The first half was disappointing even though the Eagles had more ball possession but lacked fluidity especially in the final third, only the defence line looked very strong and stable.
The midfield was bereaved of real creativity, clear-cut passes were not locating the attackers.
No coordination among the front three of Moses Simon, Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Introduction of Samuel Chukwueze for inactive Iheanacho brought life into the attack.
His individual brilliance and solo runs gave Nigeria the lead in the 59th minute.
After the goal, Nigeria went to sleep, allowing the opposition too many chances and space, thereby
conceding two avoidable quick goals.
First the defence line was ball watching from a free kick allowing a free header inside box-six which resulted in the equaliser.
Three minutes later, the Eagles conceded a free kick in the opposition half and all the midfielders and forwards were lazy against the urgency shown by Rwanda, the quick counter resulted in the second goal.
After conceding the second goal the players now became serious, but it was a little too late.
Conclusion:
Regardless of qualification before the match, it was embarrassing to lose in front of your home fans.
The team did not show enough zeal, urgency and determination to want to win the match.
Victor Osimhen and Chukwueze were the ones showing hunger and desperation to score.
Victor Boniface is a very good player, but it seems the system was not to his strengths.
He played better as the second striker not a lone striker, being a lone striker makes him look lazy.
The Eagles midfield urgently needs creative midfielders, alternatively midfielders that can drive well with the ball and good passers of the ball.
The depth in the team must be formidable and fortified with qualities rather than quantities.
Without Ademola Lookman and Osimhen we should be able to produce positive results.
Players’ invitation must be on merit, based on form.
The technical crew must be more proactive rather than waiting for the deed to be done before reacting.
The Eagles conceded from set pieces against the Benin, same against Rwanda.
We must begin to look beyond this qualifier and take a deep look if this present team can win a tournament.
The NFF should take the right decision about a permanent high-grade Technical Adviser/ Head Coach.
By Arc. Jay Jay Oyekale
