AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Held To Frustrating Goalless Draw By Rwanda

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday in the return leg of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Despite dominating large parts of the game, Nigeria failed to break through Rwanda’s disciplined defence, extending their unbeaten record against the Amavubi to six games.

Coming off an impressive 3-0 win over Benin Republic, expectations were high for the Super Eagles to continue on that strength.

Coach Austin Eguavoen made only one change to the starting lineup, replacing Alex Iwobi with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while top scorer Victor Osimhen entered the game in the second half.

Nigeria took control early, with Ademola Lookman being the most dangerous outlet. The Atalanta forward thought he had given Nigeria the lead in the 22nd minute, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.

His chance came after Victor Boniface had rattled the upright with a thunderous strike, but the rebound couldn’t be converted.

The first half ended without a goal, and Eguavoen made two changes at halftime, introducing Osimhen and Moses Simon to add firepower.

However, Rwanda, buoyed by the presence of President Paul Kagame in the stands, defended resolutely.

Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was in superb form, making several crucial saves, including a last-minute effort from Osimhen’s header to keep the score level.

Nigeria continued to pile on pressure but could not find the decisive breakthrough.

Despite the dropped points, the Super Eagles remain top of Group D with four points, while Rwanda sits in second with two.

Nigeria will host Libya in their next qualifier in October, hoping to return to winning ways.

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