Afconq Rwanda 0 Nigeria 0: Five observations from Super Eagles' entertaining goalless draw against Wasps

Nigeria played out an entertaining goalless draw against Rwanda's Wasps at the Amahoro Stadium in their second Group D match of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on Tuesday afternoon.

The Super Eagles had a slow start but gradually found their rhythm, creating numerous chances but failing to score.

Despite opportunities for Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, and other players, Nigeria couldn't break the deadlock.

With the result, Nigeria remained unbeaten and currently tops the group, while Rwanda are second with two points.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game.
 
Lookman and Dele-Bashiru Impress in first half against Rwanda

Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru both delivered strong performances for the Super Eagles in the first half against Rwanda.

Dele-Bashiru, who replaced Alex Iwobi in the starting lineup, formed an effective partnership with Wilfred Ndidi in the midfield, helping Nigeria gain control after a challenging opening period.

Lookman posed a constant threat in attack, and his disallowed goal was a moment of contention.

Lookman's disallowed goal should have counted

Nigeria appeared to have scored in the first half with a close-range header from Lookman inside the box.

The Atalanta winger found the back of the net in the 22nd minute after heading in a flick-on from Semi Ajayi following a long throw by Ola Aina. 

However, Egyptian referee Mohamed Maarouf disallowed the goal, ruling that Ajayi had committed a foul.

A video replay of the incident, however, showed no foul by Semi Ajayi, suggesting that the goal should have been allowed to stand.

Eguavoen's second half substitutions disrupted Super Eagles' first half fluidity

Austin Eguavoen made two early changes in the second half, introducing Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon in place of Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze.

Despite these adjustments, the Super Eagles were unable to find the crucial goal needed to secure all three points against Rwanda.

However, the substitutions, along with other changes in the second half, disrupted the fluidity the team had displayed in the first half.

Fiacre Ntwari shines against Nigeria

Fiacre Ntwari, the Rwandan goalkeeper, delivered an outstanding performance against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Kigali.

The 24-year-old made several crucial saves at the Amahoro Stadium, recording 9 saves, with 8 of them coming from shots inside the box.

His exceptional display was vital in keeping his team in the match, helping Rwanda secure their second point in the 2025 AFCON Group D qualifiers.

Super Eagles lack finishing touch despite numerous opportunities

The Super Eagles will be disappointed with their goalless draw against Rwanda, having created numerous scoring opportunities but failing to convert them.

Nigeria registered 20 shots on goal, with 9 on target, yet couldn't find the back of the net.

Despite hitting the woodwork with a strike from Victor Boniface in the first half, the team will be frustrated, especially given the attacking talent at their disposal.

Adeyemi Adewale

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