Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has downplayed the impact of Monday’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on Nigeria’s chances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the loss at home in Uyo, Eguavoen is confident that the setback won’t derail Nigeria’s quest for World Cup qualification when the qualifiers resume in March 2025.
“This won’t affect Nigeria for the World Cup qualifiers,” Eguavoen said after the match. “We have learned a hard lesson, we will evaluate and have the strategies to face them.”
The Super Eagles have struggled in Group C, sitting in fifth place with only three points from four matches, following three draws and one defeat. However, Eguavoen remains optimistic about the team’s future performance.
“The defeat to Rwanda is part of the learning process, and we will come back stronger,” he added.
The loss leaves the three-time African champions with work to do as they aim to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, but Eguavoen is determined to keep the focus on their next challenge.
