Nigeria will travel to Rwanda for the second round of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying series, aiming to build on their strong start following a dominant 3-0 victory over Benin last weekend, MySportDab Reports.
The Super Eagles, under interim head coach Austine Eguavoen, are top of Group D and eager to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Rwanda, known as the Wasps, are hoping to secure their first win of the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Libya in their opening match.
Match Preview
Rwanda has only made one AFCON appearance in their history, back in 2004, where they exited at the group stage after managing a win, a draw, and a loss. Under head coach Torsten Spittler, a German tactician appointed in November, the Wasps have shown promise, losing just once in seven matches, with three wins and three draws.
They will be aiming to break their winless streak against Nigeria, having failed to secure a victory in their five previous encounters.
The Wasps started their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Libya. Sobi Al Dawi gave Libya the lead in the 16th minute, but Rwanda responded through Innocent Nshuti’s equalizer early in the second half. Nshuti, with four goals in 18 appearances, is expected to lead Rwanda’s attack once again, while right-back Fitina Omborenga, with 63 caps, will aim to achieve a milestone by becoming the joint-fifth most capped player for his country.
Nigeria, on the other hand, will enter the match with confidence after ending a three-game winless streak with a convincing performance against Benin.
Ademola Lookman, fresh off his Ballon d’Or nomination, was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant solo goal just before halftime. Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year and Galatasaray’s new signing, added a second in the 78th minute before Lookman completed his brace five minutes later.
The Super Eagles will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against Rwanda, having won two and drawn three of their previous five meetings. Their last encounters in the 2012 AFCON qualifiers saw Nigeria secure a 2-0 win at home and a draw away in Kigali.
Team News
For Rwanda, Nshuti will once again be the focal point in attack, while Omborenga looks to achieve a personal milestone in his national career. The Wasps are unbeaten in their last two matches and will look to continue their fine form under Spittler.
Nigeria is expected to field a strong lineup, with Osimhen likely to start after his goal-scoring cameo off the bench against Benin. Lookman, who was named man of the match in the previous game, will support Osimhen in attack, while Samuel Chukwueze is expected to complete the front three. Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who impressed off the bench, could also be in contention for a starting role in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Rwanda: Ntwari; Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Niyomugabo; Rebangouka, Bizimana; G Mugisha, Muhire, Kwizera; Nshuti
Nigeria: Nwabali; Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze
