Nigeria was held to a frustrating goalless draw by Rwanda in their 2025 AFCON qualifying match, on Tuesday in Kigali.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the team couldn’t break the deadlock, struggling with finishing and some questionable officiating.
Ademola Lookman had a goal controversially ruled out, and a possible penalty for a foul on Victor Boniface was denied.
The absence of VAR in these qualifiers continues to raise concerns.
Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey celebrate. Photo | X
This result was a step back for Nigeria, especially after their convincing 3-0 win over Benin three days earlier.
Player Ratings
Team photo of the Nigeria MNT before their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match against Rwanda in Kigali. Photo | IG (ng_supereagles)
Stanley Nwabali – 6/10
Nwabali was solid between the posts, making two important saves and 11 recoveries.
He displayed composure and confidence throughout the match.
William Troost-Ekong – 6/10
Ekong, captaining the side, provided leadership at the back but was far from his best.
He was caught out of position on a few occasions and had the fewest touches (31) of any outfield player who played the full 90 minutes.
Nevertheless, his experience helped organize the defence.
Semi Ajayi – 7.2/10
Ajayi quietly got the job done, as usual. His marking was on point, and he showed composure under pressure.
His passing, particularly long balls, was key in opening up play for Nigeria.
Calvin Bassey – 7/10
Bassey put in a strong shift, making two blocks and four clearances.
He was sharp and dependable and had a good game.
Ola Aina – 8/10
Aina was Nigeria’s best player on the night. Solid defensively, he was also a constant threat going forward, creating four chances.
His long throw-ins caused problems for Rwanda, and his all-around energy on the right was unmatched.
The Nottingham Forest man also made 3 clearances and 4 recoveries and created the most chances in the match.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10
Ndidi was a commanding presence in midfield, keeping things tidy with crisp passing.
He created a big chance and was heavily involved in winning duels (8).
Subbed off after 70 minutes, he was one of Nigeria’s most influential players.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.9/10
Starting ahead of Alex Iwobi, Dele-Bashiru had the most accurate passing (95%) for players who played 45 minutes or more.
While accurate in possession, he struggled to make a significant impact in the final third.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 7.3/10
Solid defensively and occasionally ventured forward. Onyemaechi made good tackles and was impressive in one-on-one situations, though his delivery in the final third could have been sharper.
Overall, a strong performance in his defensive role.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6.4/10
Chukwueze didn’t have the best game, struggling to make an impact in the first half.
He created one big chance but was subbed off at halftime after a largely quiet display.
Victor Boniface – 6.9/10
Boniface had some promising moments, hitting the woodwork and registering three shots.
However, he couldn’t convert his chances and was denied what seemed like a clear penalty.
A frustrating evening for the forward.
Ademola Lookman – 7.2/10
The best in the attack, Lookman was lively, having a goal controversially disallowed.
He had four shots on target one blocked shot.
However, he missed two big chances and could have done more to impact the result.
He substituted in the 90 minutes.
Substitutes
Victor Osimhen – 6.9/10
Osimhen came off the bench in the second half and added energy to Nigeria’s attack.
He created two chances and had three shots on target but the new Galatasaray man couldn’t break the deadlock.
Moses Simon – 6.3/10
Simon played the second half and was lively on the left wing, registering one shot on target and missing a big chance.
Frank Onyeka – 6.4/10
Onyeka was introduced with 20 minutes left but couldn’t influence the game much in his limited time on the pitch.
Raheal Onyedika – 6.3/10
Onyedika had a decent showing in his 20 minutes cameo but couldn’t influence the match much.
Taiwo Awoniyi – N/A
Came on in the final minute and had no time to make an impact.
The Super Eagles will return to their clubs with work to do ahead of their next AFCON qualifier in October, hoping to bounce back from this underwhelming draw.
