On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Rwanda played out a 0-0 draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Kigali.
This result follows Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Benin in Uyo on Saturday, bringing their points total in the group to four.
Despite showcasing individual brilliance throughout the match, the Super Eagles were unable to find the back of the net against a disciplined Rwandan team.
The early stages of the game saw both teams probing each other before the Super Eagles took control of possession. Ademola Lookman came close to breaking the deadlock after bursting through Rwanda’s defense, but the Atalanta forward was unable to finish.
Nigeria appeared to have taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Lookman scored, but the goal was ruled offside. The match slowed down, with a brief altercation between Samuel Chukwueze and Claude Niyomugabo earning both players yellow cards.
Victor Boniface, who had struggled to make an impact, came alive in the 36th minute with a powerful shot that struck the post. The rebound fell to Lookman, but his header was easily handled by Rwanda’s defense.
Rwanda held firm, and the draw added a point to Nigeria’s total, keeping the Super Eagles atop Group D in their AFCON qualifying campaign.
In a notable show of support, President Paul Kagame attended the match. His presence emphasized his backing for Rwanda’s Amavubi as they competed on the big stage, facing a critical challenge in their bid for AFCON qualification.
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