Super Eagles’ Loss to Determined Rwanda In AFCON Qualifier

Rwanda secured a 2-1 comeback victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the last qualifying game of the AFCON Cup, with the absence of key players like Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Although Nigeria have already secured their ticket to Morocco as Group D winners, despite falling to disappointing 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. 

The first half ended goalless, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, Nigeria took the lead shortly after halftime break through Samuel Chukwueze's incredible solo effort. The winger's direct running and clinical finish seemed to have secured the win for the Super Eagles.

Samuel Chukwueze's brilliant solo effort was not enough as Rwanda's Ange Mutsinzi's header drew Rwanda level, and Innocent Nshuti's strike sealed the win for the visitors. 

Rwanda's historic win over Nigeria marks a significant turning point for the Amavubi. With this victory, they have proven that they can compete with the best teams on the continent. The future is indeed bright for Rwandan football.

Overview 

Coach Augustine Eguavoen relying on the lineups was a dead-rubber game for Nigeria with unimpressed display in the first 45 minutes. Boniface, even on his debut, the Bayer Leverkusen striker has failed to replicate his club performances at country level.

Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze was sent on in place of Iheanacho at the start of the second period, opened the scoring for the Super Eagles but Rwanda grabbed two goals in three minutes to claim their first-ever win over the three-time AFCON winners.

It was a surprising turn of events as the Super Eagles rotated lineup was left reeling as the determined Rwandan side staged a dramatic comeback. Rwanda's Amavubi pulled off the impossible to the defeat of Nigeria's Super Eagles in the qualifying match. The loss would not matter as Nigeria already securing qualification for the AFCON,