A goal by Ademola Lookman was controversially chalked off on Tuesday in Kigali as Rwanda and Nigeria’s Super Eagles settled for a 0-0 draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers clash.
The Atalanta forward, who struck twice in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo, headed home off a long Ola Aina throw in the 22nd minute.
The Super Eagles were about to launch into celebration when the referee raised up his hand to indicate that the goal did not count.
Replays showed there was nothing wrong with the goal. Aina’s long throw was headed on by Semi Ajayi who shrugged off a Rwandan challenge, and Lookman arrived in the centre of the box to head the ball into the net.
The contentious decision came just as the Super Eagles were shaking off a slow start and were beginning to knock the ball about with confidence.
They nearly got the lead again nine minutes to half-time when Victor Boniface hit the crossbar and Lookman’s follow-up header was too weak to bother the Rwanda defence.
Caretaker head coach Austin Eguavoen rang the changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon for Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze, who appeared to have picked up a knock.
There were more changes in the second half for the Super Eagles as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Wilfred Ndidi made way for Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, but Rwanda kept their clean sheet.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali was the star performer for the hosts, making some big saves from Osimhen, Lookman and Moses Simon as the Amavubi earned a point.
The Super Eagles retain the top spot in qualifying Group B with four points from two matches, with Rwanda in second place with two points from two games.
Libya are third with one point and Benin Republic bottom with no point as both sides meet tonight.
