Football
KweséESPN Reporter 6y

Nigeria wasteful as Rwanda hold on for draw

Nigeria's African Nations Championship campaign got off to a disappointing start as the home-based Eagles were held 0-0 by Rwanda in their Group C opener.

Salisu Yusuf's side had the better of the contest - hitting the woodwork on three occasions - but were unable to take a litany of chances to find a way past Amavubi.

The draw leaves Nigeria and Rwanda joint second in the group on one point after Libya took pole position with a 3-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea earlier on Monday.

Nigeria had several chances to break the deadlock during the first half, but were unable to make the most of their superiority, with several players guilty of profligacy in front of goal.

The experienced Rabiu Ali was the worst culprit.

The midfielder was presented with an open header in the 20th minute after Eric Ndayishimiye parried the ball into his path, but could only send his effort over the bar.

In an almost identical situation 18 minutes later, he fired over after Ndayishimiye again failed to deal with a cross - this time from the menacing Sunday Faleye - and also sent a thunderous effort against the woodwork four minutes before the pause.

If Ali let Rwanda off, Faleye was a constant thorn in Amavubi's side.

While many of his teammates sought to play a more direct game towards Anthony Okpotu, Faleye sought to run at the Rwandan defence, switching flanks to great effect.

He sent a header against the bar early on after the lively Chuky Ogbugh had caused panic in the opponents' backline, and also won a free kick on the edge of the box which Osas Okoro slammed against the wall.

Rwanda improved after the break, with Abeddy Biramahire letting the Super Eagles off the hook with a miskick after a fine cross from Djihad Bizimana.

However, it was Nigeria who went closest - 12 minutes from time - when newly introduced Ibrahima Mustapha hit the woodwork only moments after replacing Anthony Okpotu.

Nigeria face Libya in a heavyweight showdown between two of the tournament favourites on Friday, while Rwanda meet Equatorial Guinea.

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