In a tightly contested encounter on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were unable to break through Rwanda’s resolute defense, resulting in a 0-0 draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
The game, held at the Stade Régional Nyamirambo in Kigali, saw both teams struggle to capitalize on their chances, with Rwanda’s goalkeeper emerging as a key figure in maintaining the stalemate.
The Super Eagles, led by coach Augustine Eguavoen, entered the match with high spirits following a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic just days earlier.
The win in Uyo had seen Nigeria climb to the top of their qualifying group, but the draw against Rwanda means their tally now stands at four points after two matches.
From the outset, Nigeria looked to impose their attacking style on the game. Striker Victor Osimhen was at the heart of their offensive efforts, and he came close to securing a late win with a header in the dying minutes of the match.
However, Rwandan goalkeeper Emmanuel Nwabali was on hand to make a crucial save, ensuring that the scoreline remained unchanged.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance in terms of possession and opportunities, Rwanda’s defense held firm throughout. The home side’s goalkeeper, Nwabali, was repeatedly tested by the Super Eagles but proved to be a formidable barrier.
His interventions included a notable save in the 73rd minute when he parried a powerful shot from Osimhen, who had managed to find space inside the box.
Nigeria made tactical adjustments as the match progressed. In the 92nd minute, Taiwo Awoniyi was introduced in place of Ademola Lookman in a bid to inject fresh energy into the attack.
However, the changes did little to alter the outcome, as Rwanda’s defense continued to stymie Nigeria’s attempts to find the back of the net.
Lookman had earlier come close to scoring, with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area in the 85th minute, only to be thwarted by another excellent save from Nwabali.
Nigeria’s frustration was further compounded when Frank Onyeka’s clever pass set up Lookman for a promising opportunity, but again, the Rwandan goalkeeper denied the Super Eagles.
Rwanda also had their moments, most notably in the 87th minute when they created a chance from long range. However, Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho’s counterpart, Nwabali, dealt with the threat effectively, ensuring that the hosts were unable to break the deadlock.
As the match entered extra time, Nigeria continued to push for a decisive goal. However, their efforts were met with a determined Rwandan defense and a series of crucial saves from Nwabali. Despite five minutes of added time, neither side could find a breakthrough, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
The result leaves Nigeria with a mixed record in their qualifying campaign. While their recent victory against Benin Republic demonstrated their potential, the draw against Rwanda highlights the challenges that lie ahead as they aim to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
With one win and one draw, the Super Eagles will need to build on their performance in upcoming matches to solidify their position in the qualifying group.
As the campaign progresses, Eguavoen and his team will be looking to refine their strategies and enhance their finishing to ensure they secure the necessary points to advance.
Further details on the match and its implications will be covered as the Super Eagles continue their journey in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
