The Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final 2025 AFCON qualifier, played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. This loss marked Rwanda’s first-ever victory over Nigeria at the senior international level. Despite the upset, Nigeria topped Group D with 11 points from six matches, ensuring their place in Morocco 2025. Rwanda, meanwhile, concluded their campaign with eight points but fell short of qualification due to an inferior goal difference after Benin held Libya to a goalless draw in Tripoli. The two sides will clash again in Kigali in March 2025 as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume.

The Super Eagles took the lead in the 59th minute through substitute Samuel Chukwueze, who displayed brilliant individual skill to slice through a crowded Rwandan defense before slotting a low shot past goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. However, Rwanda responded swiftly, equalizing in the 72nd minute when Jimmy Mutsinzi capitalized on a defensive lapse to head home. Just three minutes later, Innocent Nshuti completed the visitors’ comeback with a decisive strike, silencing the home crowd. Earlier, Nigeria had come close to breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute when Victor Boniface’s header off a Moses Simon corner was superbly saved by the ever-reliable Ntwari, who was named Man of the Match.

The first half saw few clear-cut chances, with the highlight being a left-footed strike from Kelechi Iheanacho that was also denied by Ntwari. Nigeria’s starting lineup featured a 4-3-3 formation, with Maduka Okoye in goal and William Ekong wearing the captain’s armband. The team introduced several substitutes in the second half, including Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen, but struggled to regain control after Rwanda’s quick double blow. The match underlined the challenges facing the Super Eagles ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign, as they prepare to seek redemption in Kigali against an increasingly confident Rwandan side