Nigeria and Rwanda Set for High-Stakes AFCON Qualifier
As Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers draws to a close, Nigeria, comfortably atop the standings, welcomes Rwanda to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday. While Nigeria has already secured qualification, Rwanda’s AFCON hopes hinge on a must-win scenario.
Match Preview
Nigeria’s most recent outing—a 1-1 draw with Benin—exposed vulnerabilities in Augustine Eguavoen’s side. Despite Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer rescuing a point, the Super Eagles struggled to control the match, particularly on set-pieces and wide defensive areas. Fans are eager to see a more polished display as Nigeria wraps up its qualifying campaign.
Nigeria’s form at home has been solid, with clean-sheet victories against Benin and Libya in Uyo. The Super Eagles will aim for a third consecutive home win in front of their passionate supporters.
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For Rwanda, the stakes are monumental. Sitting two points behind second-placed Benin, the Wasps must achieve what they haven’t done since 2015—win an AFCON qualifier away from home. Their recent 1-0 loss to Libya was a missed opportunity, leaving Torsten Spittler’s men facing an uphill battle.
Team News
Nigeria:
Victor Osimhen, fresh from matching Segun Odegbami’s goal tally for the Super Eagles, is poised to lead the attack. Ademola Lookman, looking to rediscover his scoring touch, joins an offensive lineup that includes Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon. Defensively, Eguavoen may retain a back five to address the vulnerabilities seen against Benin.
Predicted Starting XI:
Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi; Simon, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen
Rwanda:
Innocent Nshuti, with two of Rwanda’s three goals in the qualifiers, remains the key attacking threat. The midfield duo of Djihad Bizimana and Gilbert Mugisha will look to supply creative spark in a system designed to frustrate the Super Eagles.
Predicted Starting XI:
Ntwari; Ombolenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi; Imanishimwe; Bizimana, Mugisha, Gueulette; Kwizera, Nshuti, Mugisha
Match Prediction
Rwanda’s nine-year winless streak in away qualifiers and Nigeria’s dominant home form stack the odds firmly in favor of the Super Eagles. While Rwanda’s desperation might make for a spirited contest, Nigeria’s quality and depth should see them secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda
