Nigeria failed to protect their unbeaten record in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as they concluded the series with a shocking 2-1 loss to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Eagles had already booked their ticket to the tournament in Morocco before the game and their wings were clipped by their opponents who needed a win to stand a slim chance of making the tournament.
After a goalless and tepid first half, second-half substitute Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 59th minute, but the delight of the home fans was short-lived by the resilient visitors.
Aimable Mutinzi levelled matters for Rwanda in the 72nd minute and Imanishimwe Nshuti completed the memorable comeback three minutes later.
Despite the win, Rwanda failed to qualify for the tournament while Nigeria finished top of the group with 11 points.
In the other Group D game, the Benin Republic, led by former Nigeria coach Genort Rohr picked the second ticket from the group on goal difference, finishing behind Nigeria with eight points after playing a goalless draw against Libya.
Libya finished at the bottom of the group with five points.
Although insignificant to the 2025 AFCON qualifier, Nigeria’s defeat to Rwanda lays a bad marker for the Super Eagles ahead of their two-legged clash against the Amavubis in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next year.
The Super Eagles are still walking a tightrope in the series, having failed to win any of their four matches so far. They are fifth in Group C with three points, four points behind joint leaders Rwanda, South Africa and the Benin Republic.
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