Sports
AFCON: Nigerians Slam Super Eagles After Disappointing Loss To Rwanda
Nigerians have expressed anger and frustration on social media following the Super Eagles’ poor performance in their 2-1 loss to Rwanda during the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The game, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, shocked fans as the Amavubi of Rwanda scored two late goals to secure a historic win on Monday evening.
Coach Austin Eguavoen made several changes to the starting lineup, leaving out key players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. As a result, the team struggled in the first half, managing just one shot in the 45th minute. The half ended without any goals, leaving fans unimpressed.
In the second half, Eguavoen introduced Samuel Chukwueze and Frank Onyeka, who replaced Kelechi Iheanacho and Alhassan Yusuf. Chukwueze brought some excitement when he scored a stunning goal in the 60th minute, sparking jubilation among the supporters. However, the celebration was short-lived as Rwanda’s Aimable Mutinzi and Imanishimwe Nshuti netted two quick goals in the 72nd and 75th minutes, sealing an unexpected victory for the visitors.
Despite the loss, the Super Eagles still topped their group with 11 points, narrowly edging out Rwanda on goal difference to qualify for the AFCON. Benin Republic, also with eight points, finished second. However, the underwhelming performances against Rwanda and the earlier 1-1 draw with Benin have left Nigerians disappointed.
Fans Express Frustration on Social Media
After the game, Nigerians took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disapproval. Many criticized the team for lacking direction, teamwork, and consistency.
Popular activist VeryDarkman commented:
“Let’s call a spade a spade. Super Eagles win games by mere luck. No be say na curse, but this Super Eagles can’t win us any trophies.”
Another user, Adedamola, expressed doubts about the team’s ability to compete with Africa’s top sides, saying:
“Super Eagles can’t go toe to toe with some African teams like Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Senegal. Something is not just right about the team.”
Guevera NG slammed the team for being talented but disorganized:
“It’s not about the loss; it’s the ‘anyhowness.’ Be honest, when last did you watch Super Eagles and had confidence we would win? The performance is always below par. Like a bunch of talented players without coordination. Football is for me, but not this type.”
Another fan, Alexander, described the team as lacking proper leadership, urging Nigerians to lower their expectations:
“I’ve stopped stressing myself about Super Eagles, and I find it funny that you people expect much from a team of sheep without a shepherd. No offence to the players, but as long as the team relies on makeshift & cheap employment, they’ll never go far.”
Junior criticized the team for lacking unity and discipline, saying:
“Nigeria does not have a team. The Super Eagles squad is just full of players excelling in their clubs. We need a manager who can make these excellent players a team and make them embrace discipline. We can’t rely on individual brilliance every match; we are not ready.”
What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
The Super Eagles now shift their focus to the World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March 2025. They will face Rwanda again in Kigali, aiming to improve on their poor start. Nigeria is winless in four matches, having only four points so far. Fans will hope for a significant improvement from the team as they look ahead to upcoming challenges.
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