ANDREW EKEJIUBA
The Amavubi of Rwanda stunned Super Eagles with an emphatic 2-1 win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to wrap up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with a win but failed to book a ticket for next year’s tournament to be hosted by Morocco.
The Super Eagles having already booked their spot following a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic headed to the game hoping to conclude the qualification round with a win in the front of their supporters but failed in their ambition.
Austin Eguavoen made several changes to his squad with Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye making his first start following Stanley Nwabali absence from the team.
Victor Boniface was also handed a starting berth with Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon upfront.
Alhasan Yusuf, FIsayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka in midfield.
While William Troost-Ekong, Gabriel Osho, Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel start from the defence.
The Super Eagles had a better share of possession but failed to score with Kelechi Iheanacho’s first half strike as the best shoot of the first half.
Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to break the deadlock for the Super Eagles in the 59th minute.
However, Rwanda came back stronger and scored two goals to turn the tide and snatched a the three points.
Ange Mutsinzi levelled for the Amavubi in the 72nd minute before Innocent Nshuti netted the winner three minutes later.
Despite effort from the Super Eagles to snatch a draw, Rwanda kept their lead in tact but was not enough to book them a ticket to Morocco after Benin Republic played a 0-0 draw.
Benin Republic finished second with eight points but a goal difference to sealed their spot in Morocco 2025.