Nigeria suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Rwanda in their final 2025 AFCON qualifier despite Samuel Chukwueze's stunning opener. Defensive lapses allowed Rwanda to stage a historic comeback, securing their first-ever win over the Super Eagles. With qualification secured, Nigeria looks to regroup ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Rwanda claimed their first-ever victory against Nigeria, defeating the Super Eagles 2-1 in a surprising outcome during their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
With Nigeria’s qualification already assured, Coach Augustine Eguavoen rotated his squad, resting key players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. The reshuffled lineup struggled to establish control, though Samuel Chukwueze, introduced in the second half, offered a glimmer of hope.
Chukwueze's brilliance broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, with the AC Milan winger dribbling past defenders to score his sixth international goal. However, Rwanda responded swiftly, equalizing through Ange Mutsinzi’s powerful header in the 72nd minute. Just three minutes later, Innocent Nshuti sealed the win with a well-executed counterattack, exposing Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
Despite late substitutions, including Osimhen and Umar Sadiq, the Super Eagles failed to mount a comeback, leaving fans disappointed with their lackluster performance.
The defeat marked Nigeria's first in the AFCON qualifiers, but it didn’t impact their qualification. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s win, though historic, wasn’t enough to secure their spot in Morocco 2025, as Benin Republic advanced alongside Nigeria.
Both teams are set to meet again in Kigali during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria will seek redemption.
