In a dramatic finale to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Rwanda’s national football team pulled off an unexpected victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, November 18.
The dramatic match, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, left fans in shock as the team claimed a 2-1 win, making their mark on the group’s standings.
Before the match, Rwanda faced a daunting task: not only did they need to defeat Nigeria, but they also had to rely on Libya beating Benin Republic to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Although Libya’s draw against Benin dashed Rwanda’s AFCON dreams, their victory over Nigeria was a testament to their resilience and determination.
A Goalless First Half Sets the Stage
The first half of the game was an intense battle for control. Rwanda displayed remarkable composure and dominated possession but struggled to penetrate Nigeria’s defensive line.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, had their share of opportunities but spent much of the half chasing the ball, unable to assert their usual dominance.
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As the teams headed into halftime with the scoreline still at 0-0, anticipation grew for a second-half showdown.
Chukwueze Shines Before Rwanda Strikes Back
Nigeria’s coach, Augustine Eguavoen, made bold changes at halftime, introducing Samuel Chukwueze and Frank Onyeka to inject energy into the squad. The move appeared to pay off in the 59th minute when Chukwueze delivered a stunning solo goal.
Dribbling past Rwanda’s defense from midfield, he slotted the ball home to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead, igniting cheers from the home crowd.
But the Rwandan side had no intention of backing down. Just over ten minutes later, Aimable Mutinzi capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize in the 72nd minute. Barely three minutes after that, Imanishimwe Nshuti completed the comeback with a swift strike that silenced the Nigerian fans and sealed Rwanda’s unforgettable 2-1 victory.
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Group D Standings in AFCON 2025 Finalized
Despite the defeat, Nigeria had already secured their spot in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, finishing atop Group D with 11 points from six matches.
Benin Republic, following their 0-0 draw with Libya, claimed the group’s second qualification slot on goal difference, also ending with 8 points.
Rwanda, despite their valiant effort, finished third, while Libya settled at the bottom with 5 points.
As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for the tournament proper, Rwanda’s win serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. The Rwandan team may have fallen short of qualification, but their victory over a formidable Nigerian side will undoubtedly inspire their future battles.
For Nigerian fans, the loss may sting, but their team’s overall performance in the qualifiers provides hope for a strong showing in Morocco next year.
What’s your take on Rwanda’s remarkable performance? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates on the road to AFCON 2025!
