Former Super Eagles and Al-Ittihad defender, Chikelue Iloenyosi has exonerated Nigeria Interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, from receiving faults for his side’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in their AFCON 2025 qualifier, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time AFCON Champions had already sealed qualification to the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco following a draw against the Republic of Benin, leaving the game against Rwanda as an obligation to fulfill.
Eguavoen fielded a slightly weaker team against the Wasps of Rwanda and his side took the lead in the 59th minute via Samuel Chukwueze. A quick-fire double from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti turned the game on its head in favour of Thorsten Spittler’s side.
Speaking in an interview with Brila.net, Iloenyosi emphasized that Eguavoen wasn’t at fault for Nigeria’s defeat.
“Eguavoen has never been part of the problem. Even if you bring in someone like Mourinho to coach Nigeria, the team still lacks character.
The pattern we played ( against Rwanda ), the boys didn’t position themselves well, no passion and character in the national team.
Losing the game is not Eguavoen fault. Even if you bring in another coach, they will still lose that game,” the former Asteras Tripoli man said.
Rwanda sealed their first-ever win against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday. Both sides will meet during the March International break as they look to seal qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rwanda are currently top of the qualification group with seven points while Nigeria have just three points from four games.