The Super Eagles’ unbeaten run in the AFCON qualifiers came to an unexpected end as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda at home in their final group-stage game.
Despite having already secured qualification to the 2025 AFCON, the three-time African champions were determined to maintain their flawless record and build momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Interim coach Austin Eguavoen made several changes to the lineup, resting key players including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Wilfred Ndidi.
While the Super Eagles managed to control parts of the game, their overall performance lacked conviction.
Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, giving Nigeria the lead. However, the Amavubi responded with resilience.
Ange Mutsinzi equalized in the 72nd minute, and just three minutes later, Innocent
Nshuti completed the comeback, sealing a hard-fought victory for the visitors.
For Chukwueze, the goal marked his first for Nigeria since September 2023, when he scored in the team’s 6-0 rout of São Tomé and PrÃncipe.
Unfortunately for Rwanda, the win wasn’t enough to secure qualification for AFCON 2025 as finished third in Group D, tied with Benin on eight points but with an inferior goal difference.
Nigeria topped the group with 11 points, followed by Benin with eight points (0 goal difference), Rwanda with eight points (-2 goal difference), and Libya at the bottom with five points.
With Nigeria and Benin advancing to the tournament in Morocco, scheduled to take place from December 21 to January 18, the Super Eagles will aim to regroup and sharpen their form as they prepare for both the continental showpiece and their World Cup qualifying campaign.
