AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Why Super Eagles’ lost to Rwanda – Eguavoen

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Super Eagles interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has said the news of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s father’s death may have had an emotional impact on the team following their 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup Nations, qualifier on Monday.

Nigeria suffered a defeat at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Dailyeconomy reports.

Recall that the Super Eagles had already secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON before the Rwanda clash.

However, when asked about the effect of the sad news of Nwabali’s father’s passing on the team’s performance, Eguavoen said, “In a way, I think yes. But I think any player that is invited to the squad is capable of playing.

“So, people need to get their chance, they got their chance today but unfortunately, we fought for it but it wasn’t to be.”

Dailyeconomy had earlier reported that Eguavoen had excused Nwabali from the clash against Rwanda due to his father’s death on Friday.