Nigerian fans took to social media to express their fury over the officiating in the Super Eagles 0-0 draw with Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Kigali on Tuesday afternoon, Afrosport reports.
Augustine Eguavoen’s side thought they had gone ahead in the 23rd minute when 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman scored from close range from a throw-in.
Centre referee Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour however ruled the goal out for offside which caught fans by surprise as the rule does not apply from a direct throw-in set piece.
The decision however stood and it denied the Eagles the chance to make it back-to-back wins as the Rwandans stood resolute with goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari making several brilliant saves.
Fans took to X, giving different views on the disallowed goal, with some questioning why there was no Video Assistant Referee (VAR), calling on CAF to make use of it on a bigger scale.
Others were of the opinion that the Egyptian referee needs to be punished for his actions while others were not happy with the overall performance of the Super Eagles, with some asserting that interim boss Eguavoen is not good enough to lead the three-time African champions.
Seriously wondering the reason this goal was ruled out.
This ref sha no dey see for afternoon #RWANGA pic.twitter.com/YC5YUmgv9W
— Jonel (@iamjohnjonel) September 10, 2024
The referee robbed Nigeria’s Super Eagles for ruling Ademola Lookman’s goal as offside. But we move, Rwanda go collect for return leg📌 #RWANGA
— ÓLÀdeyforyou (@trendwithola) September 10, 2024
At the end of the day the referee would go Scott free after the damage has been done @CAF_Online would say he’s been punished what of the 2 points SE was denied of in a game of that magnitude AFCON there is no offside from throwing #RWANGA
— Derek Ajibola (@derekajibola) September 10, 2024
At the end of the day the referee would go Scott free after the damage has been done @CAF_Online would say he’s been punished what of the 2 points SE was denied of in a game of that magnitude AFCON there is no offside from throwing #RWANGA
— Derek Ajibola (@derekajibola) September 10, 2024
This ref made so much errors today in the Rwanda vs Nigeria game.#RWANGA pic.twitter.com/bgIMSgh7J9
— Jonel (@iamjohnjonel) September 10, 2024
Y’all will not kuku tell Boniface the truth.
He should take a break from being a banger boy on SM and focus on his career.
He has never given his all in the Eagles shirt. #RWANGA— Alhaji Emperor Lee, MON (@EmperorLeeeee) September 10, 2024
@CAF_Online needs to explain this day light robbery #RWANGA pic.twitter.com/fLHWDlJgLZ
— KING JABULANI 🦍 (@iamkngjabulani) September 10, 2024
What’s the rationale behind Eguavoen starting the same 11? Was it not obvious the first half against Benin was a waste of time? Super Eagles #RWANGA
— Mel. (@MellyAttorney) September 10, 2024
Sack Sack Sack
Sack Sack Sack
Sack Sack Sack
He’s not a good coach if he can’t win Rwanda #AFCON2025Q #RWANGA#SuperEagles #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/PH1ltkdQQZ— Talk Active Blog (@DesidMi1) September 10, 2024
– SE players should be shooting more from long range RWA GK would only catch what he sees.
– Those no look passes are important in games and movement of the ball in the middle could be a little faster
– Then again the pitch was bouncing the ball.
— Derek Ajibola (@derekajibola) September 10, 2024
We do not just offer trainings and certifications, we also give job referencing from top companies.
Funke Akindele | #Knacking #RWANGA | Proof of Work
— Kayrex Academy (@KayrexAcademy) September 10, 2024
This was the Referee that robbed Nigeria of a very important win against Rwanda by disallowing Lookman sweet header.
His name is Karim Sabry and must be punished by CAF.#RWANGA pic.twitter.com/Z316D0i1jv
— KING ISAAC (@itzkingisaac) September 10, 2024
Osimhen no good, the other Victor sef no good #RWANGA
— ♕ Omo ⚚ Odunfa ♚ (@MrOdunfa) September 10, 2024
Dear @CAF_Online,
Dat Looku goal na goal #SuperEagles#RWANGA https://t.co/4HyLCH3KLS
— Osaro Suleman Osazee (@Tuffmallam) September 10, 2024
The problem of today’s match
The ref and the Pitch 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
#RWANGA pic.twitter.com/IgJznKXHm8— Alaseyori segun (@AlaseyoriSegun) September 10, 2024
We were ROBBED in Rwanda. @CAF_Online should revisit the match and come out to tell us why the Lookman’s goal was cancelled #RWANGA
— Prince Akin’ Odunsi-Eshilokun (@gr8akin) September 10, 2024
Eagles have to be better with and without the ball. The defensive shape was good especially when they gave the ball away but the counter-pressing was nonexistent. In the 2nd half, they played high with lot of attacking connections but failed to convert chances created.#RWANGA
— Akóredé Khameel⚬ (@akorebami_) September 10, 2024
If super eagles wins a match, I stand with Eguavoen.
If Super Eagles lose a match, I stand with Eguavoen.
If Super Eagles draws a match, I stand with Eguavoen.
He has the ability to lead our national team forward.
This is an Eguavoen stan account.#RWANGA pic.twitter.com/xt0taRz1vD
— BIG TACKLE 🔴⚪ (@Anikingsley3) September 10, 2024
@CAF_Online
We are sad we drew the match but justice must be served hot-hot. The ref’s gesture suggests he blew offside for a throw-in thereby denying us a legitimate goal. It’s fair that he’s punished accordingly. #RWANGA, #AFCON2025Q— Adeniyi (@Nerodenero1) September 10, 2024
@CAF_Online
We are sad we drew the match but justice must be served hot-hot. The ref’s gesture suggests he blew offside for a throw-in thereby denying us a legitimate goal. It’s fair that he’s punished accordingly. #RWANGA, #AFCON2025Q— Adeniyi (@Nerodenero1) September 10, 2024
Good thing about “Lookman” is you don’t have to “look” for him! Man is everywhere he needs to be when he ought to be there! Great form so far 👌#AFCON2025Q #RWANGA #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/7RbgrqnSd3
— Trhymesz (@Trhymesz) September 10, 2024
So Ordinary draw with Rwanda is now an applause, Just because they had a first win? Nigerians and settling for mediocrity! #RWANGA
— The Technocrat (@TheREDCARDgiver) September 10, 2024
