Nigeria barely held hosts lively Rwanda to a 0-0 draw in a 2013
Africa Cup of Nations first round, first leg qualifier in Kigali
Wednesday.
The Eagles were expected to win this match, but the home team
created more chances and should have got a result against their more
illustrious foes save for poor finishing and some resolute defending by
skipper Joseph Yobo, who was winning a record 87th international cap.
Nigeria play was generally unco-ordinated but somehow they forced their way upfront often.
The midfield was again the problematic department for Keshi’s team
as Fulham ace Dickson Etuhu and Joel Obi of Inter struggled to fashion
an understanding in the engine room allowing the Rwandese to head for
goal almost at will.
The host team thus finished the stronger in the first half owing to the collapse of the Nigeria midfield.
Eagles coach Stephen Keshi started three players from the Nigeria
Premier League – Godfrey Oboabona, Ejike Uzoenyi and Azubuike Egwuekwe,
who partnered Yobo in the heart of defence.
Osaze Odemwingie had a chance to put Nigeria ahead but he fired
wide after just five minutes. He would later force a fine save from
Rwanda goalkeeper Jean-Claude Ndori.
Nigeria thereafter took control of the game, but Rwanda, led by
Oliver Karekezi, fought back even though they were often cynical in
their approach, which will get three bookings in the first half.
Uzoenyi, who looked lively at the start of the game, saw his effort
come off the woodwork in the first half, while Nigeria goalkeeper
Vincent Enyeama was called to make a couple of saves as the home team
gained in confidence and pressed for an opening goal.
In the second half, Nigeria created very little upfront forcing
Keshi to pull out ineffective Osaze Odemwingie and Ahmed Musa for
Ikechukwu Uche and Wigan winger Victor Moses.
Kano Pillars star Reuben Gabriel would also be brought in for Etuhu to shore up the midfield.
On the hour, substitute Uche saw his effort ruled out by the South African referee for offside.
However, the best chance of the entire game fell to Oboabona in
second half stoppage time after some great individual run by Moses.
Oboabona’s shot was blocked to ensure the spoils were split by Nigeria
and Rwanda in Kigali.
The return leg match will be played in Abuja on June 17.
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