By Ben Efe
The Super Eagles had their egos bruised and battered before their homes after they were stung by the Amavubis of Rwanda in Monday evening’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Just when the home fans thought the Super Eagles have the game under wraps when Samuel Chukuweze fresh from replacing Kelechi Iheanacho, waltz through the Rwandan defence in the 59 minutes, the Super Eagles defence failed to live up to expectations allowing to the visiting team to score two quick goals that sealed the game for them.
The score did not reflect the dominance of the game by the Super Eagles, lack of creativity and finishing did them in. And they finished the year with a humbling loss, that gave Rwanda confidence they beat the Super Eagles again when they meet in the World Cup qualifiers next year.
Though the Amavubi did not qualify as Benin Republic sailed through on goals different, the Rwandans were joyful winning against the three times champions and the 2023 AFCON runners up for the first time.
Ange Mutsinzi headed home from a freekick and a badly position Maduka Okoye had no answer. The 72nd-minute cancelled Chukwueze’s goal and just when the rattled Super Eagles defence thought they have it covered, Innocent Inshuti shot Rwanda into the lead scoring from a tight angle from the left side of the goal.
Coach Austin Eguaveon knew he blew it by making eight changes to the team that drew with Benin in Cote d’Ivoire. He brought in Victor Osimhen for Dele Bashiru, Sadiq Umar for Victor Boniface, but the deed has been done. Coach Eguavoen felt miserable on the bench after the full-time whistle, it’s another dent to his coaching credentials.
Chukwueze...Man of the match.