Nigeria’s Super Eagles wrapped up their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers with a surprising 2-1 defeat against Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday.
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Match Updates: Nigeria 1-2 Rwanda
Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to Rwanda in their final AFCON 2025 Group D qualifier in Uyo. Despite the defeat, Nigeria topped the group with 11 points and had already secured their place in the tournament in Morocco.
The first half was goalless, with early bookings for Djihad Bizimana (25′) and Bonheur Mugisha (29′).
In the second half, Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring in the 59th minute, but Rwanda responded with goals from Ange Mutsinzi (72′) and Innocent Nshuti (75′) to complete a stunning comeback.
News: Nigeria Tops Group D Despite Loss
The loss didn’t affect Nigeria’s position at the top of Group D, where they finished with three wins, two draws, and one loss. Benin claimed the second qualifying spot with 8 points, edging Rwanda on goal difference. Libya finished bottom with 5 points.
Scores: Nigeria 1-2 Rwanda
The scoring opened in the 59th minute when Samuel Chukwueze found the back of the net to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead. However, Rwanda equalized in the 72nd minute through Ange Mutsinzi’s precise finish.
Just three minutes later, Innocent Nshuti capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the decisive goal, sealing a memorable 2-1 victory for the Rwandan side.
In a heated contest, Djihad Bizimana and Bonheur Mugisha were booked early in the first half, setting the tone for a physical game.
Innocent Nshuti received a yellow card in the 90th minute for time-wasting, but it didn’t detract from his heroic performance as Rwanda held on for the win.
