by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Despite already securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda’s Wasps in front of their home fans in Uyo. Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant solo goal initially put the hosts ahead, but two quick strikes from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti sealed a historic victory for the visitors. Here are five major observations from the match.
1. Eguavoen’s Overhaul: Seven Changes to the Starting Lineup
With qualification already guaranteed, interim coach Austin Eguavoen rotated heavily, making seven changes to the lineup that faced Benin. Maduka Okoye returned in goal, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface featured in the starting XI.
Defender Gabriel Osho retained his spot to make his home debut alongside William Troost-Ekong, while Calvin Bassey was benched, and Ola Aina was rested after returning to his club, Nottingham Forest. Despite the fresh faces, the Super Eagles lacked cohesion and struggled to dominate.
2. Iheanacho’s Continued Struggles Raise Concerns
Kelechi Iheanacho, given a rare starting opportunity, delivered another underwhelming performance. The Sevilla forward, who struggled in the previous match against Benin, failed to make an impact again and was substituted for Samuel Chukwueze at halftime.
Iheanacho’s poor club form appears to have spilled over into his national team duties, raising questions about his inclusion in future Super Eagles squads. His back-to-back subpar outings under Eguavoen highlight the need for more consistent contributions from the experienced forward.
3. Set-Piece Vulnerabilities Haunt Nigeria Again
Defensive frailties at set pieces continued to plague the Super Eagles. Despite boasting a strong defensive record in the qualifiers, the team struggled to deal with a well-delivered cross from Jojea Kwizera, which Ange Mutsinzi headed home to level the game in the 72nd minute.
This recurring weakness cost Nigeria dearly and serves as a warning ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Rwanda exploited the flaw expertly, making their intentions clear for their March 2025 rematch with the Super Eagles.
4. Complacency Costs Nigeria After Taking the Lead
After Samuel Chukwueze’s stunning solo goal in the 61st minute, Nigeria appeared to relax, allowing Rwanda to grow into the game. The Super Eagles failed to maintain their intensity, conceding twice within three minutes to relinquish control.
Innocent Nshuti’s 75th-minute goal, a composed finish through the legs of Maduka Okoye, epitomized Rwanda’s determination to seize their moment. Nigeria’s lapse in focus after taking the lead highlights the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match.
5. Rwanda’s Heroic Ntwari Exits Injured
Fiacre Ntwari, Rwanda’s goalkeeper, was instrumental in keeping the Super Eagles at bay with crucial saves, including an impressive stop to deny Alhassan Yusuf’s header. However, his night ended prematurely due to a suspected hamstring injury.
Ntwari, who also shone in the reverse fixture in Kigali, was substituted in the 69th minute, leaving Clement Twizere Buhake to finish the game. His absence moving forward could be a blow to Rwanda’s hopes in the World Cup qualifiers.
Conclusion
While the Super Eagles remain group winners and have secured their spot in Morocco, this defeat serves as a wake-up call. For Rwanda, this historic victory is a morale boost as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Rwanda’s Wasps Break Super Eagles’ Unbeaten Streak in Dramatic Comeback
In a shocking turn of events, Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a historic 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their sixth-ever meeting during the AFCON qualifiers. The loss marked Rwanda’s first-ever victory over Nigeria and ended the Super Eagles’ unbeaten run in the campaign.
The match, held at a packed stadium, began with both sides showcasing their intent. Nigeria looked to assert dominance early, with Victor Boniface linking up with Alhassan Yusuf for a chance in the ninth minute. However, Yusuf slipped at the vital moment, leaving Kelechi Iheanacho to take a deflected shot, resulting in a corner that Rwanda’s goalkeeper Ntwari punched away.
Rwanda’s response came in the 21st minute when Emmanuel Imanishimwe found Gabriel Mushiga on the left wing, but Mushiga’s cross was easily claimed by Nigeria’s Maduka Okoye. Despite sparingly dominating possession, the Super Eagles struggled to break down Rwanda’s resilient defense.
The second half saw Nigeria introduce fresh legs with Samuel Chukwueze and Frank Onyeka coming on. Chukwueze’s substitution paid off almost immediately. In the 58th minute, the Villarreal winger weaved through three defenders to score a stunning solo goal, putting Nigeria ahead and silencing the Wasps’ spirited fans.
However, Rwanda refused to back down. Ange Mutsinzi leveled the score in the 71st minute, heading home a perfectly delivered free kick by Jojea Kwizera. Just two minutes later, Innocent Nshitu delivered the knockout blow, flicking the ball into the net at the near post from another well-executed cross.
Eguavoen responded by introducing Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar to salvage the game, but the Super Eagles couldn’t find the breakthrough. Frank Onyeka squandered a late chance in injury time, sealing Nigeria’s fate.
The Wasps’ remarkable victory marked their second win of the qualifiers, propelling them into the spotlight as they prepare to face Nigeria again in next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a surprising 2-1 loss to the Wasps of Rwanda in their final group match.
After a tightly contested first half, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when winger Samuel Chukwueze found the back of the net with a clinical finish. However, Rwanda mounted a swift comeback, stunning the Super Eagles with two quick goals in the 72nd and 75th minutes.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria finished at the top of their qualifying group with a respectable record of three wins, two draws, and one loss, securing their spot at the 2025 AFCON tournament. The Wasps, while eliminated, ended their campaign on a high note with a spirited performance.
The result serves as a wake-up call for the Super Eagles, who will need to address their defensive lapses and maintain consistency as they prepare for the continental showpiece.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s historic winless campaign concludes with a 2-1 home defeat in Accra
In a night of disappointment at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Niger, closing their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign without a single victory—a first in the nation’s storied football history.
The game, marked by bold lineup changes from head coach Otto Addo, saw debuts for Isaac Afful, Nathaniel Adjei, Terry Yegbe, and U20 star Jerry Afriyie, alongside appearances from Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu and Heart of Lions captain Ebenezer Abban. However, the fresh faces couldn’t lift the team out of their slump.
Niger struck first in the 22nd minute, with TP Mazembe’s Ousseini Badamassi heading home from a corner kick. Ghana responded in the second half, as debutant Afriyie converted a pinpoint cross from Ernest Nuamah to bring the score level in the 67th minute.
Despite Mohammed Kudus’ efforts, including a free-kick that rattled the woodwork, the Black Stars’ hopes were dashed in stoppage time. Niger’s Oumar Sako found the back of the net with a header from a free-kick delivery. A last-gasp penalty offered a glimmer of redemption, but Kudus’ strike was saved by Niger’s goalkeeper, Mahamadou Tanja, sealing Ghana’s fate.
The defeat leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group F, marking a dark chapter in their football history as they prepare to rebuild for the future.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Nov 18, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer, World Cup
Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, has voiced strong criticism of the current GFA administration under Kurt Okraku, accusing them of mishandling the Black Stars coaching role with a “trial and error” strategy.
Afriyie lamented the lack of stability and direction in the team, citing the frequent changes in head coaches over the past five years as a major factor behind the national team’s struggles.
The coaching merry-go-round began in 2020 when CK Akonnor was appointed after Kwesi Appiah’s dismissal. However, Akonnor was soon sacked, paving the way for Milovan Rajevac. Rajevac’s tenure ended abruptly following the Black Stars’ early exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Otto Addo, initially an interim coach, guided the team to the 2022 World Cup but resigned after their group-stage elimination.
Chris Hughton, who served as a technical advisor, was next in line but was dismissed after the team failed to progress past the 2023 AFCON group stage in Ivory Coast. Surprisingly, the GFA turned back to Otto Addo in March 2024, offering him a long-term deal, but under his leadership, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
Afriyie did not hold back, questioning the GFA’s decision-making process and highlighting Otto Addo’s inexperience as a head coach, alongside the limited expertise of his assistants.
“Coach CK [Akonnor] was sacked, you brought in Milovan Rajevac. Milo was sacked, and Otto Addo took over. Otto said he was not ready for the job long-term, and when he left, Chris Hughton came in. Chris was also sacked, and Otto was brought back. What are we doing? Is it not trial and error?” Afriyie asked.
He continued, “Otto Addo had never been a head coach of any serious team before. If you bring in an inexperienced coach, you need top-notch assistants, but that has not been the case. During the World Cup, we had Otto Addo with assistants like Mas Ud Didi Dramani, Chris Hughton, and George Boateng, none of whom brought the needed experience.”
The former GFA Vice President believes this lack of consistency and foresight has led to confusion and poor performances. His remarks come as the Black Stars prepare for their final 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.
