Nigeria’s Super Eagles were handed an unexpected 2-1 defeat by Rwanda in their final Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Monday, November 18, 2024. Despite having already secured their place in the tournament, the loss has raised concerns about the team’s preparedness for the upcoming competition in Morocco.
The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, started with Nigeria dominating possession but failing to capitalize on several early chances. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze slotted home a well-taken goal to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead. The home fans erupted in cheers, expecting the team to build on the advantage.
However, Rwanda turned the game on its head with a stunning comeback. In the 72nd minute, Aimable Mutinzi found the back of the net with a brilliant effort, leveling the score. Just three minutes later, Imanishimwe Nshuti capitalized on a defensive lapse by Nigeria to score the winning goal, silencing the home crowd.
The loss, though shocking, did not affect Nigeria’s position as group leaders with 11 points. Rwanda, despite their spirited performance, failed to secure qualification for the AFCON finals, finishing behind the Super Eagles and second-placed Guinea-Bissau.
The defeat has sparked criticism from former players and analysts. Victor Ikpeba and Mutiu Adepoju expressed disappointment, highlighting defensive errors and a lack of tactical discipline as key reasons for the loss. Fans are urging head coach José Peseiro to address these issues before the AFCON finals.
While the Super Eagles’ qualification remains a positive, this loss serves as a wake-up call for the team. With expectations high, the squad will need to regroup and refine their strategy to compete against Africa’s best in Morocco.
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