In their final AFCON 2025 qualifying match, Nigeria will face off against Rwanda on Monday, hoping to close out the campaign on a high note.
The Super Eagles have already secured their spot at the tournament in Morocco, but for Rwanda, it’s all on the line as they fight for the second qualification ticket in Group D.
Super Eagles Eye Perfect Finish
Despite a 1-1 draw against Benin in their previous outing, Nigeria had already sealed qualification with 11 points from five games.
Augustine Eguavoen’s side has guaranteed a first-place finish in the group, making Monday’s clash less significant for the Super Eagles in terms of qualification.
However, they will aim to maintain their unbeaten record and head into the World Cup qualifiers with momentum.
For Rwanda, it’s a different story. They currently sit third in Group D with five points and need nothing less than a victory to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
Even then, they will rely on a favorable result from the other group fixture, where Libya takes on Benin.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the seventh meeting between Nigeria and Rwanda. The Super Eagles remain unbeaten in this fixture, with two wins and four draws, including a goalless stalemate in the first leg of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
History favors Nigeria, but Rwanda will be desperate to change the narrative this time around.
Coaches’ Corner
Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria):
“We want to qualify without losing a game, and we know we’re capable of [that]. We have all the qualities whatever it takes to beat anybody any time. Then it was more under pressure, but we didn’t look at that.”
Torsten Spittler (Rwanda):
“It’s clear that if we want to go to AFCON, we have to win this game, so that’s our mission. I’m expecting an interesting game against Nigeria and a Fight until the last minute.”
Team News
Nigeria:
With qualification already secured, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina have returned to their clubs, Atalanta and Nottingham Forest, respectively.
Nottingham Forest requested Aina’s release since the Super Eagles have already qualified, while Lookman isn’t fully fit to feature in the game.
Their absence opens the door for Samuel Chukwueze and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who are expected to step into the starting lineup.
Following the passing of Stanley Nwabali’s father after the Benin match, Maduka Okoye could return to the starting XI, making his first Super Eagles appearance since January 2022.
Rwanda:
Innocent Nshuti has been a key figure for the Wasps, scoring two of their three goals in the qualifiers.
The forward will look to add to his tally in Uyo. Djihad Bizimana and Gilbert Mugisha, who average 2.0 and 1.8 key passes per game respectively, will be crucial in unlocking Nigeria’s defense.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was a standout in the reverse fixture, making nine saves, and will hope to deliver another heroic performance.
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Rwanda
Date: Monday, 18 November
Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
Kickoff Time: 17:00 WAT
Prediction
Given the history between these two teams, a draw could be on the cards, although Nigeria may edge it.
Considering that Rwanda has failed to score in five of their last six encounters against the Super Eagles, this match is likely to be a low-scoring affair.
