Nigeria vs Rwanda: AFCON 2025 Qualifiers.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will travel to Kigali for their second-round AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda. After a 3-0 victory against Benin, Nigeria is eager to stay on top of Group D. Meanwhile, Rwanda, fresh from a draw against Libya, hopes to secure a memorable win at home.
Recent Form and Campaign So Far
Nigeria began their AFCON qualifying campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Benin. Goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen gave interim coach Augustine Eguavoen the perfect start. Lookman scored twice, and Osimhen added another, showing Nigeria’s attacking strength.
Rwanda, on the other hand, managed a 1-1 draw against Libya. Innocent Nshuti scored the equalizer to help the Wasps secure a point. This result extended Rwanda’s unbeaten run to two matches. Under German coach Torsten Spittler, the team has improved, losing just one of their last seven games. However, they still face the challenge of getting their first win against Nigeria.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the sixth meeting between the two teams. Nigeria has won twice, while three matches ended in draws. Notably, during the 2012 AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria drew away and won at home. Rwanda has yet to beat Nigeria but will be counting on home support this time.
Spittler knows this won’t be an easy match. However, he believes home advantage could help his team pull off a surprise.
Key Players to Watch
Rwanda:
- Innocent Nshuti: Nshuti, with four international goals, will lead Rwanda’s attack. His ability to find space and score will be key to their chances.
- Fitina Omborenga: Omborenga is Rwanda’s sixth most-capped player, with 63 appearances. His experience in defense will be vital as Rwanda looks to hold off Nigeria’s attackers.
Nigeria:
- Victor Osimhen: The reigning African Player of the Year is Nigeria’s key forward. Fresh from scoring in the win over Benin, Osimhen will start and aim to stretch Rwanda’s defense.
- Ademola Lookman: Lookman, who scored twice against Benin, is full of confidence. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him one of Nigeria’s biggest threats.
- Samuel Chukwueze: With his speed and dribbling skills, Chukwueze completes Nigeria’s dangerous front line.
Tactical Battle
Rwanda’s Approach:
Rwanda will likely focus on defense and aim to hit Nigeria on the counterattack. Nshuti will be their main outlet in attack, while experienced defenders like Omborenga will try to frustrate Nigeria’s forwards.
Nigeria’s Strategy:
“Remember that any country that play against Nigeria always raise their game but we have to be ready as well, we'll be on feet and we have the quality to deal with them. They respect us and we respect them also”
🎙️ The gaffer Austin Eguaveon speaks ahead…
— Galaxy Sports (@GalaxySports001) September 9, 2024
Nigeria will look to dominate possession and press Rwanda high up the pitch. With players like Osimhen, Lookman, and Chukwueze, they have the firepower to create chances. In midfield, Ndidi and Iwobi will control the game and link up with the attack. Defensively, Troost-Ekong will lead the backline to keep Rwanda’s forwards quiet.
Predicted Lineups
Rwanda:
- GK: Ntwari
- Defense: Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo
- Midfield: Rebangouka, Bizimana; G Mugisha, Muhire, Kwizera
- Forward: Nshuti
Nigeria:
- GK: Nwabali
- Defense: Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina
- Midfield: Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi
- Attack: Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze
Prediction
Rwanda’s home form will give them hope, but Nigeria’s quality should prove decisive. We expect a close match, but Nigeria’s attack will likely be too strong for Rwanda.
Prediction: Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria
Conclusion
The AFCON 2025 qualifiers continue with a thrilling matchup between Nigeria and Rwanda. Nigeria is the favorite, but Rwanda’s home advantage could make this an interesting contest. Fans are in for an exciting game as both teams fight for crucial points.
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