Nigeria will head to Rwanda for the second round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after starting their campaign with a solid win last weekend.
The Super Eagles secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin in their opening match, while Rwanda managed a 1-1 draw with Libya. Historically, Rwanda has only participated in the AFCON once, back in Tunisia in 2004, where they didn’t make it past the group stage with one win, one draw, and one loss.
In their match against Libya, Rwanda’s Sobi Al Dawi scored first for the hosts, but Innocent Nshuti equalized for Rwanda early in the second half. Under coach Torsten Spittler, Rwanda is unbeaten in their last two games and will look to continue this positive trend against Nigeria. Since Spittler took charge in November, the team has only lost once, with three wins and three draws in seven matches.
However, Rwanda faces a tough challenge as they try to record their first-ever win against Nigeria. The two teams have met five times before, with Nigeria having won twice and drawn three times, including two matches in the 2012 AFCON qualifiers where Nigeria won at home and drew away.
For Nigeria, Augustine Eguavoen’s first game as interim coach ended in a convincing 3-0 win over Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium last Saturday. Ademola Lookman, recently nominated for the Ballon d'Or, scored a stunning solo goal just before halftime.
Victor Osimhen, who recently joined Galatasaray, doubled Nigeria’s lead with a goal in the 78th minute, and Lookman added his second goal in the 83rd minute to seal the win.
This victory ended a three-match winless streak for the Super Eagles and put them at the top of Group D as they prepare for their clash with Rwanda on Tuesday.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Twenty-six-year-old forward Innocent Nshuti, who scored his fourth goal for Rwanda in just 18 appearances, is set to lead the attack once more.
Right-back Fitina Omborenga, with 63 caps to his name, is just one cap away from becoming the joint-fifth most-capped player for the Wasps and is expected to achieve this milestone on Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, came off the bench to score for Nigeria in their last match and is likely to start this time. Ademola Lookman, who was named man of the match with his brace against Benin, will support Osimhen in attack, while Samuel Chukwueze is expected to complete the front three following his strong performance last Saturday.
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also in contention for a starting role after his impressive cameo against Benin.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Rwanda possible starting lineup:
Ntwari; Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Rebangouka, Bizimana; G Mugisha, Muhire, Kwizera; Nshuti
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Rwanda 1-2 Nigeria[/SPOILER]
Nigeria looked impressive again after a change in leadership and the return of key players. Although Rwanda's current form poses a tough challenge, we believe Nigeria will come out on top.
Nigeria looked impressive again after a change in leadership and the return of key players. Although Rwanda's current form poses a tough challenge, we believe Nigeria will come out on top.
