Former Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has come to the defense of Nigeria's interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, following the team's unexpected defeat to Rwanda in their final Group D AFCON 2025 qualifier.
Having already secured qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Super Eagles entered the match with little to play for. As such, Eguavoen opted for a heavily rotated starting XI.
Despite taking the lead through Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant strike, Nigeria conceded twice in quick succession to Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti, handing Rwanda a historic 2-1 win.
Beyond the coach: Deeper roots of Super Eagles defeat
Speaking to Brila FM, Iloenyosi dismissed any suggestion that Eguavoen was responsible for the loss, attributing the result instead to a lack of character within the team.
“Eguavoen has never been part of the problem,” he said. “Even if you bring in someone like Mourinho to coach Nigeria, the team still lacks character.
“The pattern we played, the boys didn’t position themselves well, no passion and character in the national team.
“Losing the game is not Eguavoen's fault. Even if you bring in another coach, they will still lose that game.”
The defeat marked Rwanda’s first-ever win against Nigeria, further complicating the Super Eagles’ preparations for the March international break, where both teams will battle for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Rwanda lead the group with seven points, while Nigeria lags with just three from four matches, underscoring the challenges ahead for Eguavoen and his squad.
Iloenyosi represented Nigeria at the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup and earned 15 senior caps for the Super Eagles. He was also part of the Nigerian Olympic team that competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
