Benin Republic’s Cheetahs head coach, Gernot Rohr, has weighed in on the shocking defeat of Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Rwanda in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The match, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday, saw the underdog Rwandan side claim a memorable victory over the three-time African champions.
Despite the result, the Super Eagles had already secured their qualification for the tournament in Morocco after Libya’s earlier triumph over Rwanda.
However, the defeat on home soil has raised questions, and Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles, offered insights into what might have gone wrong.
In comments attributed to him via Fraternit, Rohr suggested that Rwanda’s victory was partly due to Nigeria’s perceived complacency following their confirmed qualification.
He highlighted that this overconfidence often leads to a lack of intensity, allowing opponents to capitalize.
“Against Nigeria, we were pegged back by Osimhen a few minutes before the end,” Rohr explained, reflecting on his own experiences coaching against the Super Eagles.
“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 analysis resonates with a recurring issue in football where already-qualified teams approach subsequent matches with reduced urgency.
For the Super Eagles, this complacency might have given Rwanda the motivation and space to exploit their vulnerabilities, especially in front of their home crowd.
Nigeria’s squad, filled with star players like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, was expected to dominate the match.
However, the team seemed to lack the sharpness and determination typically required to overcome a resilient opponent like Rwanda.
Rohr’s comments suggest that while the Super Eagles possess immense talent, maintaining focus and intensity, even in seemingly inconsequential matches, remains a challenge.
Rwanda’s victory is a significant milestone for the East African nation, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of mental preparedness.
For Nigeria, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they prepare for the main tournament in Morocco, where they will face stronger teams with little room for error.
The defeat has sparked discussions among fans and analysts, with many hoping that the Super Eagles will address these lapses in future matches.
As one of Africa’s football powerhouses, Nigeria’s expectations remain high, and performances like this serve as reminders that success requires consistent effort, regardless of prior achievements.
