The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Tuesday. Played at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, the match saw both teams fight for dominance but fail to find the back of the net, leaving Nigeria frustrated by missed opportunities and a disallowed goal.
Despite dominating possession for large portions of the game, Nigeria struggled to break down a resolute Rwandan defense. Rwanda’s compact and disciplined defensive shape made it difficult for the Super Eagles to create clear chances. However, Nigeria’s forwards, particularly Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface, had moments of promise but could not convert these into goals. The goalless outcome leaves both teams in a precarious position as they continue their campaigns for AFCON qualification.
Controversial Decision: Super Eagles’ Goal Disallowed
A key moment of the game came in the first half when Super Eagles thought they had broken the deadlock. Victor Boniface, rising high to meet a long throw-in, directed the ball towards Lookman, who swiftly tapped it into the net. The Super Eagles celebrated what they believed to be a legitimate goal, but the referee controversially disallowed the effort. The reason given for the decision was unclear, but it sparked outrage among Nigerian players and coaching staff alike.
The disallowed goal seemed to affect the Super Eagles’ momentum, as their attacking play lost its earlier intensity. Although the team continued to press for a breakthrough, Rwanda’s defense and their goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep the scoreline level. With the result, questions are sure to be raised about the refereeing decisions that marred what could have been Nigeria’s chance to secure an important win.
Nigeria’s Missed Opportunities Cost Them
Nigeria started the game strongly, creating several clear-cut chances, but they were unable to convert any of them. One of the most controversial moments of the match came in the 22nd minute when Ademola Lookman thought he had given Nigeria the lead, only for his headed effort to be disallowed by the Moroccan referee. The decision was met with protests from the Nigerian side, who believed the goal should have stood.
Victor Boniface was also unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet. In the 24th minute, his shot was brilliantly saved by Fiacre, and just moments later, he struck the crossbar from close range. Despite their dominance, Nigeria went into the halftime break without a goal, leaving the contest open for the home side to find a way back in.
Rwanda Holds Firm, Super Eagles Left Frustrated
Rwanda, buoyed by their home crowd and the presence of President Paul Kagame, improved in the second half but still struggled to create meaningful chances. Nigeria, on the other hand, continued to pile on the pressure, with Moses Simon coming close to scoring in the 54th minute, only to be denied by Fiacre once again. Ademola Lookman also saw a powerful effort saved in the 71st minute, as the Rwandan goalkeeper continued his outstanding display.
In the final moments of the match, Lookman had another opportunity to win it for Nigeria, but his tame shot was easily gathered by Fiacre. Rwanda almost stole the game in stoppage time, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a crucial save to preserve the draw. Bruno Onyemaechi had a chance to seal the win for Nigeria in the dying seconds but was unable to apply the finishing touch, leaving both sides to settle for a point each.
Group D Standings: Nigeria Maintain Top Spot Despite Draw
Despite the disappointing result, Nigeria still leads Group D in the AFCON qualifiers with four points from two matches. The Super Eagles previously secured a victory in their opening game, and while the draw in Kigali wasn’t ideal, it keeps them ahead in the group standings. Rwanda, with two points from two draws, currently sits in second place and remains in the hunt for qualification.
The Super Eagles will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the remaining qualifiers. With their top position in the group at stake, Nigeria will be under pressure to secure more convincing victories in their upcoming matches. Coach Jose Peseiro is expected to address the team’s attacking inefficiencies and ensure that they capitalize on future opportunities. Meanwhile, Rwanda will be buoyed by their defensive performance, gaining confidence in their chances of progressing to the 2025 AFCON tournament.
