Blame It On The Rain: Eguavoen attributes Eagles, Cheetahs draw to heavy downpour

Rwanda, Eagles Arrive In Uyo, NFF Condoles Bereaved Nwabali

Super Eagles’ Interim Manager, Austin Eguavoen, has blamed the heavy downpour in Abidjan on Thursday for Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Benin Republic took the lead in the 17th minute of the game through Mohammed Tijani, while Victor Osimhen equalised in the 81st minute to ensure that the Super Eagles got something out of the game.

Speaking after the game, Eguavoen said his team found it difficult to operate in the first half due to the rain, saying the Eagles adjusted and played better in the second half.

“It was a tough game, and I congratulate the players for a spirited display in the second half that earned us the equaliser,” Eguavoen remarked. “The downpour made the game difficult for both teams, but I am happy we have the AFCON finals ticket in the bag ahead of the final game of the series against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles and final-day opponents, Rwanda, have both landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo ahead of Monday’s Matchday 6 clash in the concluding round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Deflated but not altogether supine, the Amavubi still have a mathematical chance of qualifying, though the supposition is not actually in their favour. They missed a big opportunity to enhance their chances when losing at home to Libya’s Mediterranean Knights on Thursday, and can only make it to Morocco 2025 if they defeat Nigeria in Uyo and Libya are victorious against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in North Africa on Monday.

The Super Eagles, confirmed group winners, have nothing to chase other than national pride, and will play a more