Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr attributed the Super Eagles’ shocking loss to Rwanda in their final AFCON 2025 qualifier to a lack of focus and complacency.
The Super Eagles suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final Group D 2025 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Having already secured qualification for the tournament in Morocco with two games to spare, the Nigerian team entered the encounter with little at stake.
With top spot guaranteed, coach Augustine Eguavoen made significant changes to his lineup, introducing Maduka Okoye, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Boniface, and Moses Simon into the starting XI.
Spirited Rwandan fightback stuns Super Eagles
The Super Eagles initially took the lead through Samuel Chukwueze’s stunning individual effort, but Rwanda responded with vigor.
Mutsinzi’s equalizer in the 72nd minute set the stage for Nshuti to deliver a decisive blow shortly afterward, securing a historic win for the Wasps.
Rohr who once coached the Super Eagles of Nigeria, offered insight into the West African giant’s unexpected loss.
Speaking to Fraternite, Rohr remarked, “Against Nigeria, we were pegged back by Osimhen a few minutes before the end. I know this team well from having coached them.
“They sometimes tend to take their foot off the gas when they think they have qualified. This can give their opponents the opportunity to spring a surprise, as was the case with Rwanda.”
Rohr’s comments highlighted a recurring challenge for the Super Eagles — complacency. The Franco-German tactician’s familiarity with the Nigerian team allowed him to foresee the possibility of such a slip-up, which ultimately benefitted Rwanda.
