The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier on Monday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The match, which was a formality for the Nigerian team, turned into an unexpected nightmare as the Rwandans fought fiercely to earn a historic victory.
Samuel Chukwueze gave Nigeria the lead early in the second half, but the visitors responded with two quick goals to snatch all three points.
Despite the win, Rwanda failed to qualify for the AFCON tournament in Morocco, as Benin Republic secured the group’s second qualification spot.
An Unlikely Triumph for Rwanda
Rwanda’s victory against Nigeria marked a rare achievement for the East African nation, whose football team is often seen as underdogs in major tournaments.
Innocent Nshuti and Ange Mutsinzi were the heroes of the night, scoring the goals that silenced the home crowd.
The Amavubi (Rwandan Wasps) displayed resilience and tactical discipline, capitalizing on defensive lapses in the Nigerian side.
“We knew this would be tough, but we believed in ourselves,” said Ange Mutsinzi after the match. “It’s a proud moment for us.”
Super Eagles’ Sloppy Display Raises Concerns
The Nigerian team, already assured of qualification, fielded a somewhat experimental lineup under coach Augustine Eguavoen.
Maduka Okoye, making his first start in three years, struggled in goal and faced criticism for his role in both Rwandan goals.
Victor Boniface, a rising star in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, continued to struggle in national colors, failing to make a significant impact.
Kelechi Iheanacho also had another disappointing outing, being substituted at halftime after an ineffective performance.
Chukwueze’s Spark Not Enough
AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze provided the lone bright spot for Nigeria with his second-half goal.
His energy and precision briefly ignited hope for the home side, but his efforts were undone by Rwanda’s spirited comeback.
“Chukwueze showed great quality tonight,” said Eguavoen. “But as a team, we didn’t do enough.”
Pressure Mounts Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
The defeat in Uyo comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as they prepare to face Rwanda again in March for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Monday’s performance has raised serious doubts about the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
“We need to improve quickly,” Eguavoen admitted. “The World Cup is our priority, and we cannot afford such mistakes.”
The loss also highlighted persistent issues with team selection and tactical execution, leaving fans and analysts questioning the Super Eagles’ direction.
Rwanda’s Moment of Glory Overshadowed by Elimination
While Rwanda celebrated a hard-fought victory, their dream of AFCON qualification ended as Benin Republic advanced with a better overall record.
This bittersweet outcome did not dampen the pride of Rwandan fans, who hailed their team’s determination.
“We may not have qualified, but this win shows what we’re capable of,” said Rwandan coach Carlos Alós Ferrer.
Fans Demand Answers from Nigerian Team
Nigerian football fans expressed outrage over the lackluster performance, with many taking to social media to criticize the players and coaching staff.
“This is unacceptable,” said one fan on Twitter. “How do you lose at home to Rwanda? This team needs serious changes.”
Others pointed to the inconsistent form of key players and questioned Eguavoen’s tactics, calling for a more aggressive approach in future matches.
