Nigeria has travelled to Rwanda for the second round of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after a dominant 3-0 victory over Benin in their opening match last weekend.
The Super Eagles, under the guidance of interim head coach Austine Eguavoen, will aim to maintain their momentum against a Rwandan side eager to claim their first win in the qualifiers.
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Match Preview
Rwanda, known as the Wasps, have only appeared in the AFCON once, back in 2004, when they were eliminated in the group stage after one win, a draw, and a loss.
Their hopes of returning to the prestigious tournament remain alive after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Libya in Tripoli last Wednesday.
Sobi Al Dawi gave Libya the lead in the 16th minute, but Innocent Nshuti’s second-half strike ensured Rwanda salvaged a point.
The Wasps, now unbeaten in their last two games, are looking to continue their impressive form under head coach Torsten Spittler.
Since taking over the team in November, the German tactician has led Rwanda to just one defeat in seven matches, with three wins and three draws.
However, they face a daunting challenge against Nigeria, a team they have never beaten in their previous five encounters.
Nigeria’s Form and Team News
Eguavoen’s reign as interim coach got off to the perfect start with a resounding 3-0 win over Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman opened the scoring with a brilliant solo goal just before half-time. Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, came off the bench to double the lead in the 78th minute, converting a well-timed cross.
Lookman sealed the victory five minutes later with a powerful header.
The Super Eagles have now ended a three-game winless run and sit comfortably atop Group D.
This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, with Nigeria boasting two wins and three draws, including a victory and a draw during the 2012 AFCON qualifiers.
Osimhen, who came on as a substitute against Benin, is expected to start in Rwanda, leading the Nigerian attack alongside Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also pushing for a starting role after impressing with a strong cameo performance in the opener.
Predicted Lineups
Rwanda: Ntwari; Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Rebangouka, Bizimana; G Mugisha, Muhire, Kwizera; Nshuti.
Nigeria: Nwabali; Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze.
Both teams will be looking to secure valuable points as they continue their journeys toward AFCON 2025.
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