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Here are Pulse Sports’ key takeaways from the Super Eagles' loss to the Wasps of Rwanda.
Having already confirmed their spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria had nothing but pride to play for against Rwanda.
This was reflected in the starting XI, as interim coach Austin Eguaveon made eight changes to the team that drew against Benin.
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Rwanda had to win this game while hoping that Benin would lose to Libya, and this reflected in their starting XI, as Torsten Spittler named his strongest XI.
The following are some key takeaways from the game;
Samuel Chukwueze still has the spark
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With the game looking all flat, both teams needed some spark, and it was Eguaveon who won that battle.
The Super Eagles made a number of changes at half time and one of them was AC Milan’s Chukwueze coming on for Kelechi Iheanacho.
The winger’s talent has never been in doubt but his consistency has always been questioned.
However, Chukwueze showed that he can still come up with the brightest moments, as his moment of individual brilliance produced Nigeria’s goal.
The left footed winger beat three players before placing a fine finish behind the Rwandan goalkeeper.
Victor Boniface’s struggle continues
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Since making his debut, the Bayer Leverkusen striker has failed to replicate his club performances at country level.
While there might be excuses that the team do not play to his strengths, such excuses cannot be tendered when he makes poor use of the chances he gets.
The execution of his actions are way off what is expected from a striker of his caliber and his supposed technical superiority barely comes to life in those actions.
Eguaveon is not the answer
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The former Super Eagles defender stepped in to replace Jose Peseiro and he has to receive his flowers for guiding the team to the 2025 AFCON with two games to spare.
However, issues with the team are still glaring to see.
The Super Eagles still struggle with defending set pieces, they often rely on individual brilliance, and there appears to be no plan B when plan A fails.
With the quality of football in Africa rising every year, the Super Eagles must raise their level and Eguaveon has not shown enough to prove that he is the man that can help with that.
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