Super Eagles Extend Unbeaten Record Against Amavubi, Remain Top of Group
Nigeria and Rwanda played to a scoreless draw at the refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday. Despite the stalemate, the Super Eagles maintained their position at the top of their AFCON 2025 qualifying group, benefiting from their 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.
The match echoed previous encounters between the two sides in Kigali, where Nigeria secured a 1-1 draw during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and a 0-0 draw in a 2013 AFCON qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen made a single change to the lineup that faced the Cheetahs, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replacing Alex Iwobi. Early in the game, Nigeria missed a clear chance to take the lead when defender Bruno Onyemaechi misfired after receiving a perfect pass from Ademola Lookman. Wilfred Ndidi also saw his shot saved by Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari shortly after.
As the match progressed, Rwanda’s Bonheur Mugisha and Kevin Muhire tested the Super Eagles’ defense, but Nigeria had their own chances. Lookman had a goal disallowed in the 22nd minute after the referee ruled that a Nigerian player had fouled a defender in the buildup. Victor Boniface missed a key opportunity in the 25th minute, and Onyemaechi failed to score from a rebound off Boniface’s shot, which hit the upright in the 37th minute.
Just before halftime, Onyemaechi, who frequently found himself in scoring positions, headed wide from an Olaoluwa Aina cross. In the second half, substitute Moses Simon saw his shot blocked by Ntwari, and Lookman had another attempt saved by the Rwandan goalkeeper.
Rwanda nearly took the lead in the 68th minute through Jojea Kwizera, but his shot missed the target. Late in the game, Mugisha’s powerful shot was parried by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Substitute Raphael Onyedika and Victor Osimhen both had opportunities to score in the final minutes, but Ntwari stood firm to deny them.
The Super Eagles will next face the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in mid-October.
