Interim coach Austin Eguavoen has blamed the Super Eagles’ poor performance on their inability to score due to a lack of creativity and flair in the midfield position, The PUNCH reports.
Nigeria ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on a disappointing note as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Rwanda on Monday.
The defeat to the Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was the team’s first loss of the campaign.
Heading into the encounter in Uyo on Monday, Eguavoen’s men had not conceded a goal at home, boasted a perfect home record during the qualification series and were the favourite to win the game with no pressure on the team having sealed qualification for the AFCON in Morocco.
Eguavoen made seven changes to the team that played a 1-1 draw with The Benin Republic last Thursday, handling a rare opportunity for some fringe players to prove their worth.
Regarded as the overwhelming favourites to claim the win despite the changes, Rwanda stunned the hosts despite going down to Samuel Chukwueze’s goal in the 59th minute.
The hosts fell apart 10 minutes later, as the visitors scored twice in three minutes to take a 2-1 lead, handing the Amavubi their first-ever win over Nigeria.
Reacting to the shock defeat, Eguavoen said the lack of creative play in the midfield was largely responsible for the defeat.
“Goals win games, we all know that. They are scoring goals in their club sides; they are scoring goals in training. But when it comes to the game, they don’t score goals. I keep asking the same questions,” Eguavoen told journalists.
“But you know there are some players who can make a difference, who can put the ball into space for them to go to goal. But we are still looking for that player who has that flair and creativity. A good playmaker who can put the ball into space for them.”
The lack of creativity in Nigeria’s midfield has been an issue for years and Eguavoen will hope to have it sorted out before the World Cup Qualifiers resume next year.
Nigeria are currently without a win so far in the World Cup qualifiers, drawing three and losing one. Rwanda lead the group with seven points from four games.
