The Super Eagles of Nigeria earlier today drew it’s first 2025 AFCON qualifying game; and it was against the Amavubi of Rwanda; npflupdates.com reports.
The Super Eagles dominated most possessions of the tie, but was so unlucky they couldn’t find the back of the net.
It was a beautiful display by both teams, with Rwanda Goalkeeper putting up a man-of-the-match performance to deny Super Eagles attempts on goal.
Three crucial talking points from the fixture are tye following:
(1) Super Eagles still group leaders despite dropping points
Nigeria with four points from two qualifying games remains on top of the group. The three-time African champions defeated Benin Republic last Saturday to climb top of the table; except Libya beat the Cheetahs by four-goal margin, Nigeria still remains on top.
(2) The absence of Alex Iwobi was felt
Caretaker manager Augustine Egueavoen started playmaker Alex Iwobi from the bench. Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru started ahead of the Fulham FC player. Fisayo was outstanding, but the creativity of Iwobi was greatly missed.
(3) Some careless call by the match official and poor state of the playing turf
There are some calls by the Egyptian officials which are deemed not proper by fans and pundits. An example was the cancellation of Ademola Lookman’s header. Lookman’s goal was cancelled and got fans asking on what ground it was called off.
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Meanwhile, the poor state of the turf at the Amahoro Stadium was nothing to write home about. From the uneven surface, to patchy areas; and of course it affected players output.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will return to action again next month.