In a high-intensity match held at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, the Rwandan squad delivered a resilient performance against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their AFCON 2025 qualifiers Group D clash. The match attended by H.E President Paul KAGAME, ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
The first half showcased the Rwandan team’s confidence and attacking prowess. They put pressure on the Nigerian defense with several simple attacks, though none were successful. Within the first 10 minutes, Nigeria began to show their quality with key players like Ademola Lookman from Atalanta and Victor Okoh Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen testing Rwanda’s defense. Despite their efforts, the Super Eagles couldn’t break the deadlock.
The game remained evenly matched as halftime approached. In the 37th minute, Victor Boniface had a golden opportunity to score but his shot following a pass from Lookman hit the post after he had beaten the Rwandan defender. The first half ended with the score still at 0-0.
The second half saw both coaches focusing on tactical adjustments. Nigerian coach Augustine Eguaveon made two substitutions at the break, bringing on Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen for Samuel Chukwueze and Boniface. In contrast Rwandan coach Torsten Spittler kept his starting lineup unchanged.
Despite Nigeria increased attacking intent, the Rwandan defense led by Mutsinzi Ange and Manzi Thierry also bolstered by their President’s presence held firm.
In the 62nd minute, Spittler made a change by introducing Samuel Gueulette for Mugisha Gilbert. This substitution energized the Rwandan side leading to several counter-attacks but players like Kwizera Jojea failed to take the opportunities.
In response, Eguaveon made further tactical changes in the 70th minute, with Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru making way for Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika. These adjustments ramped up Nigeria’s offensive pressure but Rwandan goalkeeper Ntwali Fiacre, who was named Man of the Match, was exceptional, thwarting numerous attempts from Nigeria’s attackers including a notable effort from Victor Osimhen.
As the match approached its final minutes, both teams continued to push for a decisive goal. In the 90th minute, Rwanda made two final substitutions with Nshuti Innocent and Jojea Kwizera coming off for Gitego Arthur and Ruboneka Jean Bosco. Nigeria also made a change, bringing Taiwo Awoniyi on for Ademola Lookman in the 90+3rd minute.
Despite all the tactical maneuvers, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
The match hosted by Rwanda, left a positive impression on the football fans in Kigali. Although Nigeria, a stronger team had recently secured a win against Benin, they were unable to secure a victory against the determined Rwandan side. With this result, Rwanda now has 2 points, trailing Nigeria who leads the group with 4 points in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
