The Super Eagles of Nigeria aim to secure their second victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as they face Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali on Tuesday, according to Reelradio.com.ng.
Following a commanding 3-0 win against Benin in their first qualifying match, Augustine Eguavoen and his team will focus on consistency and sustaining their momentum.
Match preview
Rwanda has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) only once, which occurred in Tunisia in 2004. During that tournament, they did not advance past the group stage, finishing with one victory, one draw, and one loss.
The Wasps commenced their qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON with a 1-1 draw against Libya in Tripoli last Wednesday. Sobi Al Dawi opened the scoring for the home team in the 16th minute, but Innocent Nshuti equalized for Torsten Spittler’s squad early in the second half.
Currently, the Wasps are unbeaten in their last two matches and will be looking to maintain their positive momentum against Nigeria. Under Spittler’s leadership since November, the team has experienced only one defeat, achieving three wins and three draws in seven matches.
Nonetheless, Spittler’s next task will be to guide Rwanda to their first victory against Nigeria, as they have not won any of their five previous encounters.
Augustine Eguavoen commenced his tenure as the interim manager of the Super Eagles with an impressive 3-0 triumph over Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium last Saturday.
Following his recent Ballon d’Or nomination, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta opened the scoring for Nigeria with an exceptional solo effort just before the halftime break.
Victor Osimhen, recently signed by Galatasaray, extended the lead in the 78th minute with a precise finish from a cross, and Lookman added his second goal in the 83rd minute with a header, securing the win.
This victory marked the end of a three-match winless streak for the Super Eagles and positioned them at the top of Group D as they prepare to face Rwanda on Tuesday.
This upcoming match will be the sixth encounter between the two teams, with the Super Eagles holding a favorable record of two wins and three draws, including two matches during the AFCON qualifiers in 2012, where they drew away and won at home.
Team News
Nshuti, a 26-year-old forward, netted his fourth goal for Rwanda in 18 appearances and is anticipated to spearhead the attack once more.
Right-back Fitina Omborenga, with 63 caps, ranks as the sixth most-capped player for the Wasps, just one cap shy of tying for fifth place, a milestone he is poised to reach on Tuesday.
The reigning African Player of the Year, Osimhen, made an impact off the bench by scoring for Nigeria in the previous match and is expected to start in this upcoming game.
Lookman, who earned the man of the match title against Benin with his two goals, will provide support to Osimhen, while Samuel Chukwueze is likely to round out the front three following his impressive performance last Saturday.
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also in the mix for a starting role after his strong showing against Benin.
Head to Head
The most recent clash between the two nations occurred in June 2012, when the Super Eagles secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Nigeria, with goals from Ike Uche and Ahmed Musa. This match was part of the AFCON 2013 qualifying rounds, and it is worth noting that the Super Eagles ultimately triumphed in the tournament itself. There is a possibility that history may repeat itself.
In their last five matches, Rwanda has achieved two victories, two draws, and one defeat, which came in an away game against Benin. Their most recent win was an away match against Lesotho in June, although it took place at a neutral venue.
On the other hand, Nigeria has recorded two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five encounters. In the previous four meetings between these teams, the Super Eagles have emerged victorious twice and drawn twice.
Match Analysis
On paper, the Super Eagles possess superior quality, which suggests they should have a slight edge in the match. However, this will not mirror their performance against Benin, where they had complete control.
Rwanda will benefit from home advantage and will aim to challenge the Super Eagles aggressively. If Nigeria’s defense is not sufficiently robust, they risk conceding goals.
Both teams are adept at capitalizing on opportunities, so Nigeria must minimize defensive errors. Additionally, Rwanda is likely to adopt a physical approach, meaning players like Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze could play crucial roles for the Eagles.
Projected/Possible starting lineup for Rwanda:
Ntwari; Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Rebangouka, Bizimana; G Mugisha, Muhire, Kwizera; Nshuti
Projected/Possible starting lineup for Nigeria:
Nwabali; Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze.
