The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a surprising defeat against Rwanda, losing 2-1 in their final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, and despite the loss, Nigeria had already secured qualification for the tournament.

Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 59th minute, showcasing impressive skill as he maneuvered through the Rwandan defense to find the net

Rwanda equalized in the 72nd minute with a goal from Mutsinzi Ange, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Nigeria later, Nshuti Innocent scored the winning goal for Rwanda, sealing the match at 2-1

Nigeria dominated possession with 57%, while Rwanda held 42% However, the Super Eagles struggled to convert their chances into goals, with several attempts thwarted by the Rwandan defense.

Notably, key players like Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman were absent from the match due to club commitments, which may have impacted Nigeria’s performance

Following the match, the Super Eagles expressed disappointment over the unexpected loss but reaffirmed their commitment to bounce back as they prepare for the AFCON tournament in Morocco

This defeat serves as a wake-up call for the team as they look to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges in the continental competition