Unlucky Nigeria Denied By Woodwork Thrice In Goalless Draw Vs Rwanda In CHAN Opener

A wasteful Nigerian side rued missed opportunities and drew goalless with Rwanda in a Group C Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) match at the Stade Ibn Batouta on Monday night.

The CHAN Eagles showed their intention from the blast of the whistle with their quick passing and pressure. But young striker Sunday Faleye was wasteful upfront for the 2014 CHAN Bronze Medalists.

Nigeria hit the woodwork through Faleye who was unmarked in the box from a cross on the right wing.

The Amavubi who were second best almost went behind in the 20th minute. Faleye was gifted the chance to beat

Jean-Luc Ndayishimiye on one-on-one but the goalie was the saving grace.

Nigeria piled more pressure on Rwanda as they probed for an opening goal. The busy Ndayishimiye was the man organising his defence to stop the West Africans.

Eagles skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa made a save to catch Rwandan shot from a distance. It was an easy catch for the keeper.

With five minutes left to play in the first half, big defender Stephen Eze missed a sitter from a beautiful header. Faleye was also guilty of another miss, with Ndayishimiye down on his knees, his effort sailed over the cross bar.

Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali struck a thunderous shot, but rattled the cross bar with Ndayishimiye beaten on the stroke of half time.

Both sides were positive with the way they approached the tie, with the Rwandans particularly looking more composed.

In the 58th minute, Eze's goal from a well delivered free kick by Osas Okoro was chalked off for offside.

Rwanda grew in confidence on how they played in midfield, Rutango saw his curling effort from a set piece missing the top right corner.

Salisu decided to add fresh blood to his set up and sacrificed Ifeanyi Ifeanyi for Enyimba attacking midfielder Austine Oladapo.

Ten minutes from time, Nigeria were unfortunate to hit the left post from Eze's header in the box.

A wicked shot from Ali went wide off target as the midfielder received a loose ball in a promising area.

Man of the match Ndayishimiye then made a fine save with his legs to stop a corner dipping into his net at injury time.

Abayomi Ademetan