AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Nwabali’s absence affected Super Eagles’ performance against Rwanda – Eguavoen

Interim head coach of Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, has suggested that the news of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s father’s death may have had an emotional impact on the team following their 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup Nations, AFCON, qualifier on Monday.

Nigeria suffered a defeat at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as Samuel Chukwueze’s goal was not enough.

Eguavoen’s side had already secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON.

However, when asked about the effect of the sad news of Nwabali’s father’s passing on the team’s performance, Eguavoen said in his post-match interview: “In a way, I think yes. But I think any player that is invited among the squad is capable of playing.”

He added, “So, people need to get their chance, they got their chance today but unfortunately, we fought for it but it wasn’t to be.”

Recall that Eguavoen had excused Nwabali from the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda.

The Chippa United lost his father on Friday morning after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin Republic.