The Super Eagles were held to a goalless draw by the Amavubi Stars in the first leg fixture of their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Regionale de Nyamirambo in Kigali on Wednesday.
It was coach Stephen Keshi’s first competitive game since taking charge of the team in November last year.
Keshi featured an experimental team of Europe-based players and players from the Nigeria Premier League but in spite of the intimidating stars in the Eagles, Nigeria failed to break the closely knitted defence of their hosts.
Nigeria found it difficult to create any clear-cut chances in the encounter but when they did, Enugu Rangers striker Ejike Uzoenyi and West Brom forward Osaze Odemwingie failed to convert their chances. Odemwingie was later substituted with Granada’s Ikechukwu Uche while VVV Venlo’s Ahmed Musa was substituted with Wigan’s Victor Moses, who earned his first cap for Nigeria.
Their entry did little to change the game as the Eagles failed to find their rhythm with Fulham’s Dickson Etuhu and Inter Milan’s Joel Obi appearing incompatible in the midfield.
The Rwandans, who quickly discovered their opponents were not coordinated, took the fillip from their cheering fans and pressed forward though causing little damage.
Vincent Enyeama was forced to make a brilliant save as Dady Birori made a run into the goal area but the Lille goalkeeper dived at his feet to grab the ball just as the Amavubi striker was about to shoot.
The striker got the home fans on their feet again in the second half when he blasted a shot over the bar.
Nigeria, however, found the back of the net through Uche but the goal was ruled offside. It ensured the game ended goalless and makes the return leg fixture in Nigeria in June a make-or-mar encounter.
Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, are under pressure to make an appearance at the next edition to be hosted by South Africa.
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