Nigeria’s Super Eagles were handed a surprising 2-1 defeat by Rwanda’s Amavubi in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday. Despite already securing their spot in next year’s tournament in Morocco, the loss ended Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the qualification campaign and delivered a bitter disappointment to their home fans.
Though the match had no bearing on Nigeria’s AFCON qualification, as they had already booked their place in the competition, the Rwandan team still had much to fight for. Desperate for a victory to keep their slim hopes of qualification alive, the Amavubi delivered an inspiring performance that left fans in shock.
After a largely uneventful first half, Nigeria seemed to have taken control of the match when substitute Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. The winger’s goal appeared to lift the spirits of the home crowd, but the Rwandan side refused to give up.
Rwanda levelled the score in the 72nd minute through Aimable Mutinzi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Super Eagles. Just three minutes later, Rwanda took a dramatic lead as Imanishimwe Nshuti scored the decisive goal to give the visitors a memorable 2-1 victory.
Despite the win, Rwanda’s qualification hopes were dashed, as they finished third in Group L with nine points, missing out on the chance to reach AFCON. Nigeria, meanwhile, finished top of Group D with 11 points, followed by Benin Republic in second place with eight points. The Benin side secured their spot in Morocco on goal difference after a goalless draw against Libya, who finished at the bottom of the group with five points.
The defeat, while inconsequential for Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, raises concerns for the Super Eagles heading into their World Cup qualifying fixtures next year. The team has struggled in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, currently sitting fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches. They trail leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin by four points and have yet to secure a win in the series.
As the Super Eagles prepare for crucial back-to-back fixtures against Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers next year, the loss to Rwanda serves as a reminder that the team must improve their performance if they are to stand any chance of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming matches will be vital for Nigeria to regain their form and strengthen their bid for qualification to the global tournament.
