Nigeria closed their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifiers with a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The underdog Rwandan side delivered a remarkable performance, staging a stunning comeback to claim an unexpected victory.
Despite the disappointment, the Super Eagles had already secured their place in the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, finishing as group leaders with 11 points. Their record of three wins, two draws, and one loss ensured their qualification alongside Benin, who claimed the second spot in the group.
The match began cautiously, with both sides struggling to convert opportunities in a goalless first half. Nigeria entered the second half with renewed intensity, and their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock. His well-taken goal ignited celebrations among the home crowd, seemingly setting the Super Eagles on course for a comfortable victory.
However, Rwanda had other plans. In the 72nd minute, Aimable Mutinzi leveled the score with a clinical finish, taking advantage of a defensive lapse. Just three minutes later, Imanishimwe Nshuti capitalized on another Nigerian error to fire Rwanda into the lead, completing a dramatic turnaround. Despite mounting pressure from Nigeria in the final moments, the visitors held firm, with Nshuti emerging as the standout performer despite receiving a yellow card for time-wasting late in the game.
The loss marked a disappointing end to the group stage for Nigerian fans, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that will need addressing ahead of the tournament in Morocco. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s spirited display was bittersweet, as they finished third in the group, edged out by Benin on goal difference.
