The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda in their second match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, despite a valiant effort that saw them come close to breaking the deadlock.
In a match played on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman appeared to have scored the decisive goal in the second half, but his effort was controversially ruled out for offside by the centre referee.
The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts, as many believed Lookman’s goal should have stood.
Despite the stalemate, the result was enough for Nigeria to ascend to the top of their AFCON qualifiers group with four points.
The Super Eagles had started their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic last Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, showcasing their attacking prowess.
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The goalless draw against Rwanda, however, highlighted some challenges the Super Eagles may face as they progress through the qualifiers.
The team struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, and the disallowed effort by Lookman underscored the fine margins that can determine the outcome of tightly contested matches.
Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will face Libya in a crucial double-header in mid-October.
These upcoming fixtures are pivotal for Nigeria as they seek to solidify their position at the top of the group and secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The performance against Rwanda will likely prompt coach José Peseiro to address some tactical and finishing issues as the team prepares for their next set of challenges in the qualifiers.