Nigeria will travel to Rwanda for their second match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following a dominant performance in their opening game against Benin. The Super Eagles aim to continue their strong start, but they will face a determined Rwandan side eager to make an impact on home soil.
Rwanda, known as the Wasps, are looking to qualify for only their second AFCON tournament, having last appeared in 2004. Their 2025 qualifying campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Libya in Tripoli, where Innocent Nshuti scored the equalizer after an early deficit.
Under the guidance of German coach Torsten Spittler, Rwanda has been in good form, remaining unbeaten in their last two matches and suffering only one loss since Spittler took over in November of the previous year. However, facing Nigeria represents a formidable challenge for the Wasps.
Historically, Nigeria has had the upper hand over Rwanda, with two victories and three draws from their previous five encounters. Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, started his tenure with a convincing 3-0 win over Benin, breaking a three-match winless streak and securing the top spot in Group D. The Super Eagles also recorded their first clean sheet in six matches.
In that game, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or, made a significant impact with two goals, while Victor Osimhen added another late in the match. Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface started the game, with Moses Simon also making an impression off the bench.
For the upcoming match, Nigeria's attacking strength, combined with an improved defensive setup, positions them as favorites. Osimhen, who came off the bench to score against Benin, is expected to start alongside Lookman. Samuel Chukwueze is likely to be part of the front three, while midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will oversee the midfield. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who performed well as a substitute, might also push for a starting role.
Another victory for Eguavoen’s team would significantly boost Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, strengthening their position in the qualifiers.
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