By Nurudeen Obalola
The Super Eagles were beaten 2-1 by Rwanda in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash on Monday in Uyo.
It is the first time the East Africans have even beaten the three-time continental champions, although the result did not have any bearing on the qualifying group standings.
Nigeria were already guaranteed to finish as group winners before Monday’s kick-off, while Rwanda still finished third and could not secure a ticket to the tournament despite the stunning victory.
The Super Eagles felt they were coasting to victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium when Samuel Chukwueze struck just before the hour mark after a dour first half.
The AC Milan star picked the ball up from the middle of the pitch and dribbled past three Rwanda markers before placing it beyond the goalkeeper.
Rwanda then turned the game on its head with two goals in three minutes.
Ange Mutsinzi drew the visitors level in the 72nd ninute and Innocent Nshuti netted the winner three minutes later, ending Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the series.
The Super Eagles ended the qualifiers with 11 points from six matches, with Benin Republic second on eight points, just ahead of Rwanda on goal difference. Libya are bottom with five points.
The top two teams from the group earned tickets to the 2025 AFCON, scheduled for Morocco in December next year and January 2026.
