Nigeria concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles, who had already secured qualification prior to the match, delivered an underwhelming performance that raised questions about the team's readiness for upcoming challenges.
Interim coach Austin Eguavoen made wholesale changes, resting nine players who featured in the 1-1 draw against Benin in Abidjan just four days earlier.
Despite a moment of brilliance from substitute Samuel Chukwueze, whose solo effort put Nigeria ahead, the team failed to maintain their momentum.
Rwanda capitalised on Nigeria's complacency, scoring twice to secure their first-ever victory on Nigerian soil.
Although the result does not affect Nigeria’s qualification status, it has sparked debates about the team’s form and future, particularly with the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON 2025 tournament looming.
Here are three pressing issues that need addressing as Nigeria looks ahead to the next international window.
Appointing a permanent coach for the Super Eagles
The uncertainty surrounding the Super Eagles' coaching position has lingered for too long.
When Bruno Labbadia opted not to take up the role despite being announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguavoen was thrust into the interim position.
Under Eguavoen, the team recorded two wins (3-0 against Benin and 1-0 against Libya), one draw (1-1 against Benin in Abidjan), and one loss (2-1 against Rwanda in Uyo).
Additionally, Nigeria benefited from a technical victory following a CAF decision on a Libya-Nigeria dispute.
The time has come for the NFF to appoint a permanent coach, whether it’s Eguavoen in a full-time capacity or a new hire, local or expatriate.
Stability is crucial for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the high-stakes FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
A permanent coach will provide the team with a clear direction and sufficient time to implement their vision and strategies before the next international break.
Injecting fresh talent into the team
The Super Eagles’ attack has become overly reliant on Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, with other forwards struggling to make an impact in recent months. There is an urgent need to introduce fresh talent to revitalise the squad.
Emerging players such as Tolu Arokodare and Gift Orban should be gradually integrated into the team to provide competition and new attacking options.
Established forwards like Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Umar Sadiq must either step up their game or face the risk of losing their spots.
In addition, the defence could benefit from new blood. Players such as Igoh Ogbu, Jerome Akor Adams, and Hamza Ojediran deserve opportunities to showcase their abilities and challenge the current starters.
Increased competition within the squad will push players to perform at their best, ultimately strengthening the team.
Addressing the lack of urgency in build-up play
A lack of urgency in build-up play has become a recurring issue for the Super Eagles, and it was evident again against Rwanda.
Despite dominating possession, the team’s approach was sluggish, with too many passes going sideways or backwards instead of forward.
This allowed Rwanda to close down Nigeria’s more potent attacking outlets, particularly on the wings, and stifle offensive momentum in the first half.
To remedy this, the team needs to adopt a quicker, more purposeful style of play.
A swift build-up from the back, combined with expansive and incisive attacking moves, would create more opportunities to penetrate opposition defences.
Such a system has worked for Nigeria in the past and remains the best way forward given the current personnel. The new coach must prioritise this aspect of play to make the Super Eagles more dynamic and unpredictable.
Looking ahead
The NFF must take decisive action to address the issues plaguing the Super Eagles.
Appointing a permanent coach is paramount to ensuring stability and continuity as Nigeria navigates the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and prepares for AFCON 2025.
The squad also requires fresh talent to rejuvenate the team and foster healthy competition, particularly in attack and defence.
Additionally, the team’s possession game and build-up play must be refined to make them more effective and goal-oriented.
The loss to Rwanda, while inconsequential in terms of qualification, serves as a wake-up call.
The Super Eagles must recalibrate and refocus to ensure they remain competitive on the global stage.
The next international window presents an opportunity for Nigeria to begin this transformation in earnest.
This result should prompt introspection and decisive action.
With the right leadership, strategic planning, and a revitalised squad, the Super Eagles can rise to meet the challenges ahead and reclaim their position as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
