Nigeria/Rwanda: Nigeria ends qualifying for CAN 2025 with disappointing defeat against Rwanda

The Super Eagles finished top of Group D with a final day defeat in Uyo on Monday.

The Super Eagles lost their first match of the 2025 Nations Cup qualifiers on the 6th day. The much-changed Super Eagles team lost 1-2 to Rwanda Wasps, who finished third in Group D, tied on points with Benin but with a lower score. goal advantage.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen made seven changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Benin last Thursday in Ivory Coast. The highlight of the first half was Bonheur Mugisha’s horrific tackle on Alhassan Yusuf.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his shot blocked in the second minute, and Kelechi Iheanacho also saw his effort blocked in the 10th minute. Thereafter, the contest turned into an irritating and physical affair.

Yusuf was brutally brought down in the 27th minute and required treatment on the pitch. Mugisha received a yellow card, which could have been red in any other match.

Just before halftime, Kelechi Iheanacho made a shot that was saved. A few seconds later, the Sevillian had another opportunity, which he seized.

Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze replaced Yusuf and Iheanacho at the start of the second half, but it was Rwanda who started the half on the right foot. They won a corner immediately after the restart.

Three minutes into the second half, Victor Boniface fired a powerful header from a corner taken by Moses Simon, but Fiacre Ntwari made a crucial save.

Chukwueze produced a moment of magic in the 59th minute as he passed three Rwandan players before slotting past Dushimimana. There was a muted celebration from the AC Milan winger. A breakaway led by Onyeka ended but Ntwari collected the ball at the feet of Chukwueze and was subsequently injured.