Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has taken responsibility for Nigeria’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda in their final 2025 AFCON qualifiers match.

Despite already securing qualification for the tournament and finishing atop their group with 11 points, the loss in Uyo was a sour note for the three-time African champions as it was their only defeat in the qualifiers and a rare setback against Rwanda.

Nigeria took the lead through Samuel Chukwueze, but two quick goals from Rwanda turned the game around, handing the visitors a memorable victory.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ekong admitted the team’s shortcomings and highlighted the need to address recurring defensive lapses.

“We have to take responsibility. The set piece is now two games, two goals conceded. It’s something we have to work on,” Ekong said.

The captain also emphasized his personal accountability for the team’s performance:

“I will take responsibility, as should the other players. We need to do better because set pieces can be very key to a game. Today, the set piece changed the momentum—we were caught off guard, and it’s something we need to improve on.”

Ekong expressed optimism that the loss could serve as a valuable lesson for the future:

“This was a game for us to learn from. Next year, there won’t be room for those kinds of mistakes.”

Focus Turns to World Cup Qualifiers

The Super Eagles will resume action in March 2025 for the World Cup qualifiers, where they face a tough challenge. Currently sitting fifth in their group, Nigeria must win all six remaining matches to have any chance of qualifying for the tournament.

Their campaign kicks off with an away match against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium—a high-stakes rematch against the team that just defeated them.

With no margin for error, the Super Eagles will need to take the lessons from this loss into their upcoming fixtures, as anything short of victory could end their World Cup dreams.