‘It feels unacceptable that we could beat a team like Nigeria and still fail to qualify for the AFCON’: Amavubi of Rwanda coach laments

Rwanda head coach Frank Spittler can still not fathom how his side could beat the almighty Super Eagles at their Godswill Akpabio home and failed to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The German is however happy with his team’s performance.

The Amavubi came from a goal down to beat Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo, an unlikely feat that saw them finish in third place with eight points, same as the Cheetahs of Benin secured the second group ticket based on their superior goal difference.

‘Check the FIFA rankings. The Super Eagles are ranked around 30th, while we, Rwanda, are somewhere in the 126th place. That’s a huge gap yet we stood our ground and achieved this feat. It’s a big plus for us, and I’m proud of the players.

‘But I’m deeply saddened. It feels unacceptable that we could beat a team like Nigeria and still fail to qualify for the AFCON. We came so close but remained so far away,’ Spittler told the press after the game.

Amavubi skipper Djihad Bizimana is also proud of his teammates.

‘We didn’t get what we worked so hard for but you guys should be proud of yourself. Head high…We keep going,” Bizimana said in an Instagram.