Nigeria vs Rwanda: AFCON 2025 qualifier - LIVE!
Nigeria aims to finish their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches without a loss as they take on Rwanda this afternoon. The Super Eagles secured their spot in AFCON 2025 ahead of time, having clinched first place in Group D last week following a draw with Benin.
This indicates that Nigeria is already secure in their position, but they aim to finish the group stage on a strong note, striving for an unbeaten record after winning three matches and drawing two out of their five games played so far. With qualification already secured, players like Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman have returned to their clubs before this match.
Rwanda ranks third in Group D, trailing Benin by two points. They understand that to advance, they must win against Nigeria this afternoon and also rely on Libya to help them out in the other match. Keep up with all the updates by following Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Recent updates on Nigeria vs. Rwanda
Final Score: Nigeria 1, Rwanda 2
The match has come to an end, and Rwanda emerges triumphant!
A reshuffled Nigeria initially took the advantage, but the visitors came back strong, scoring two goals within just three minutes to take the lead.
The Super Eagles came out unscathed, having already secured their spot in the AFCON tournament.
90+4 minutes: Osimhen made a run behind the defense, but the linesman raised the offside flag.
That might be the end of the line for Nigeria.
90+3 minutes: Onyedika takes a long-range shot, which is collected on the second attempt.
Rwanda is effectively managing its time…
90 mins: We could see a significant amount of added time here.
Everyone is focused on the fourth official... just five more minutes!
An intriguing choice, especially since the Rwandan goalie was on the ground for roughly six minutes.
87 minutes in: Almost a goal for Nigeria.
The cross to the far post is excellent; Chukwueze has a clear chance but is distracted by the defender blocking his path.
The ball rolls beneath his foot and goes out for a goal kick.
84 minutes: Boniface charges toward the Rwandan defense, finding some room just outside the penalty box.
Takes the shot... that was terrible. It went soaring way too high and veered off far to the side.
81 minutes: Osimhen takes a shot from close to the sideline, lacking any teammates nearby. He manages to earn a corner kick.
A cross arrives at the far post, and Troost-Ekong leaps to meet it, but he can't steer his header accurately.
77 minutes in: Not unexpected...
Osimhen is now playing for Nigeria, who likely have around 20 minutes left to make a comeback, and there should be a good amount of stoppage time added.
Nigeria Falls To Rwanda 1-2: Nshuti Scores 75'
They've made a fantastic comeback!
Two goals scored in roughly three minutes have left Nigeria in disarray.
Nshuti made his way down the left side and managed to slot the ball in from a challenging angle.
74 minutes in: Rwanda quickly returned to the center of the field.
They may need more than just a victory to secure qualification, depending on how other matches turn out, but they are committed to doing their part and giving it their all.
