Group winners Nigeria suffered a surprising 1-2 defeat to the Amavubi (Bees) of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on the final day of the qualifiers for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Despite dominating the group, the Super Eagles delivered an unconvincing performance for most of the match. It wasn’t until substitute Samuel Chukwueze, who replaced Kelechi Iheanacho at the start of the second half, that Nigeria saw any real excitement.
Chukwueze received a pass from midfielder Frank Onyeka and skillfully maneuvered past three defenders before scoring Nigeria’s only goal, igniting the sparse crowd in Uyo.
However, the visitors effectively disrupted Nigeria’s game plan by exploiting the disconnect between the Super Eagles’ midfield and attack. Victor Boniface, eager to secure a starting position, failed to pose a significant threat to the Rwandan defense.
Moses Simon, known for his swift runs, found Boniface’s head in the 24th minute, but the Germany-based forward’s header missed the target. Iheanacho had his shot saved by goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari shortly before halftime.
In the second half, Boniface’s header from Simon’s corner was punched away, and Chukwueze’s goal briefly lifted the Super Eagles.
Despite some promising plays, including a near assist from Onyeka to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nigeria could not maintain their lead. Rwanda equalized in the 68th minute when substitute Marie Gueulette headed past Maduka Okoye from a free-kick. Rwanda then capitalized on Nigeria’s lax defense, scoring the winning goal three minutes later.
While Rwanda celebrated their victory, they ultimately did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations due to Benin Republic’s 0-0 draw with Libya in North Africa.
Ademola Lookman, who was injured in the previous match against Benin Republic, provided a silver lining by being nominated for the Africa Player of the Year award.
The other nominees include Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, Ivorian Simon Adingra, Guinean Serhou Guirassy, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The awards ceremony will take place in Morocco on December 16th.
 of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on the final day){kind=link}