2025 Afconq: Five observations from Super Eagles' shock defeat to Rwanda's Wasps in Uyo

Nigeria advanced to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco despite a 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo.

The Super Eagles took the lead in front of their home fans, following a goalless first half, with Samuel Chukwueze opening the scoring. 

The AC Milan winger produced a brilliant solo effort, bypassing three Rwanda defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the net.

However, Rwanda responded in the 72nd minute, equalizing with a header from Ange Mutsinzi, who connected with a precise cross from Kwizera. 

Just three minutes later, Innocent Nshuti put Rwanda ahead, slotting the ball through the legs of Maduka Okoye after being sent through on goal.

Despite the loss, Nigeria had already secured qualification as group winners, ensuring their place at the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game.

Austin Eguavoen Makes Seven Changes to Super Eagles Lineup

With Nigeria having already secured qualification following a 1-1 draw against Benin, speculation was rife about the extent of changes interim manager Austin Eguavoen would make for the match against Rwanda.

Eguavoen opted for a revamped lineup, making seven changes from the previous game. Maduka Okoye was handed the gloves in goal, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Victor Boniface, and Moses Simon were all named in the starting XI.

Defender Gabriel Osho retained his place, making his home debut alongside William Troost-Ekong at the heart of the defense. 

Calvin Bassey was dropped to the bench, while Osayi-Samuel stepped in for Ola Aina, who has returned to Nottingham Forest.

Kelechi Iheanacho Struggles to Impress Again for Nigeria

Kelechi Iheanacho once more failed to make an impact for the Super Eagles under interim manager Austin Eguavoen.

The Sevilla forward, who started against Benin in Abidjan, delivered a lackluster performance and was substituted in the first half, with Moses Simon taking his place.

Despite this, Eguavoen gave him another opportunity to prove himself in the match against Rwanda in Uyo.

Unfortunately, Iheanacho’s struggles continued, leading to his substitution at the start of the second half. Samuel Chukwueze replaced him after another uninspiring display in the opening half.

Iheanacho’s inclusion in the squad had already raised eyebrows, given his underwhelming club form and inconsistent performances for the national team. 

His back-to-back underwhelming outings are likely to heighten concerns about his future call-ups to the Super Eagles.

Rwanda Exploits Eagles' Set-Piece Weakness, Sends a Strong Message

Under interim manager Austin Eguavoen, the Super Eagles had demonstrated solid defensive qualities throughout the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, conceding only one goal in their first five matches, with that lone goal coming against Benin in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The only goal conceded in that period came from a set piece, as Nigeria failed to track the run of Mohamed Tijani, who gave Benin the lead.

However, Rwanda took advantage of this recurring vulnerability in their clash with Nigeria in Uyo. 

The Wasps scored the opening goal from a well-executed set piece, with a cross from Kwizera met by a header from Ange Mutsinzi.

This result serves as a statement for Rwanda as they prepare for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Nigeria in March 2025.

Super Eagles Show Complacency After Taking the Lead

After a lackluster first-half performance, Austin Eguavoen made two substitutions at the start of the second half, which led to a noticeable improvement in the Super Eagles' play.

With renewed urgency and purpose, Nigeria moved the ball more effectively, creating opportunities to break the deadlock.

In the 61st minute, Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, weaving past three Rwanda defenders before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

However, following the goal, the Super Eagles seemed to ease off and allowed complacency to creep into their game.

This lapse in concentration allowed Rwanda to build momentum, and they capitalized on the shift in play, scoring two quick goals within three minutes to take control of the match.

Fiacre Ntwari Suffers Hamstring Injury

Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari sustained a suspected hamstring injury during his side’s defeat to Nigeria in Uyo.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper, who delivered an outstanding performance in the reverse fixture against Nigeria in Kigali, continued to impress in Uyo, particularly in the first half.

His efforts included a crucial save to keep Rwanda’s qualification hopes alive and another remarkable stop early in the second half, denying Alhassan Yusuf’s header from a Moses Simon corner.

However, Ntwari's night took a turn when he injured himself while rushing out to claim a pass being chased by Samuel Chukwueze. 

He was seen clutching his hamstring and had to be substituted in the 69th minute, with Clement Twizere Buhake stepping in to replace him.

Ntwari’s injury is a blow to Rwanda, as his performances had been pivotal in keeping the team competitive in their quest for qualification for the biennial tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale

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