The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to pursue their second victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali on Tuesday.
After a commanding 3-0 win over Benin in their opening qualifier, Coach Augustine Eguavoen and his squad aim to build on this momentum and maintain consistency.
However, the Rwandan team, buoyed by a home crowd of around 25,000 fans in their 30,000-capacity stadium, will present a formidable challenge.
Rwanda, having drawn 1-1 with Libya in their first match in Tripoli, will be eager to secure their first win of the campaign.
For both teams, the match is crucial. A win for Nigeria would bring them closer to securing a spot in the next AFCON, needing only two more victories.
Conversely, a victory for Rwanda could see them rise to the top of Group D.
The match also represents an opportunity for Nigeria to stabilize following a period of uncertainty regarding the team’s performance and coaching.
Rwanda, under the guidance of Torsten Spittler, have enjoyed a more settled year and a win would provide a significant boost as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Team News
Nigeria’s coach Eguavoen will have all his players available, with Wilfred Ndidi expected to be fit despite a minor knock sustained in the previous game against Benin. Rwanda may be without Jojea Kwizera, who is a doubt due to an injury from their match against Libya.
Head-to-Head Record
In their last encounter in June 2012, Nigeria triumphed 2-0 over Rwanda in a 2013 AFCON qualifier, with goals from Ike Uche and Ahmed Musa. Nigeria went on to win the AFCON that year, and fans will be hopeful for a repeat performance.
Recent form shows Rwanda winning two of their last five matches, drawing two, and losing one to Benin.
Their most recent victory was an away match against Lesotho in June. Nigeria’s form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five games.
Historically, Nigeria has had the upper hand, winning two of the last four encounters with Rwanda and drawing the other two.
Match Analysis
On paper, Nigeria boasts superior quality and is expected to slightly dominate the match. However, Rwanda’s home advantage and aggressive play could pose significant challenges.
Nigeria’s defense will need to be vigilant to avoid mistakes that could be exploited by Rwanda.
With the physical nature of the game anticipated, players like Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze could play pivotal roles for the Super Eagles.
Possible lineups and prediction
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali; William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman.
Rwanda: Fiacre Ntwari; Claude Niyomugabo, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Fitina Omoborenga; Steve Rubanguka, Djihad Bizimana, Gilbert Mugisha, Kevin Muhire, Innocent Nshuti; Samuel Gueulette.
Given Nigeria’s superior squad strength, they are favoured to secure all three points, though the game is expected to be competitive.
