The Super Eagles of Nigeria concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Monday evening.
Despite already securing a spot in the Morocco tournament following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Benin Republic, Nigeria’s final qualifier was far from inspiring.
A moment of brilliance from Samuel Chukwueze seemed to have sealed the win for Nigeria. The winger dazzled the crowd with a sensational solo goal, dribbling past three Rwandan defenders before firing past Fiacre Ntwari.
However, Rwanda stunned the Super Eagles with two goals in five minutes, flipping the script and claiming victory.
Afrik Foot decided to put together the individual player ratings from Nigerian national team in this closely contested encounter.
Maduka Okoye – 4
Returning to the starting lineup after a two-year absence, the Udinese goalkeeper looked calm in the first half but faltered in the second. He was caught off guard during a corner kick for Rwanda’s equaliser and conceded again shortly after.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 4
The Fenerbahçe right-back defended resolutely and denied Rwanda’s forwards much space. However, his efforts weren’t enough to keep a clean sheet.
Gabriel Osho – 5
The Auxerre center-back delivered a much-improved performance compared to his last outing but still couldn’t prevent Rwanda’s quick-fire goals.
William Troost-Ekong – 4
The captain had a shaky outing, misplacing passes and committing unnecessary fouls. His struggles compounded Nigeria’s defensive woes.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 4
The Boavista left-back struggled to impose himself, with limited impact on both ends of the pitch.
Raphael Onyedika – 4
Expectations were high for the Club Brugge midfielder, but he offered little creativity in midfield.
Alhassan Yusuf – 4
Tasked with driving Nigeria’s midfield, the New England Revolution player was often missing in action and was replaced by Frank Onyeka.
Fisayo Dele-Bashir – 4
The Lazio midfielder lacked fitness and struggled to connect passes. He made way for Victor Osimhen in the 77th minute.
Moses Simon – 5
Heroic in Nigeria’s previous outing, the Nantes winger had a quiet game. His efforts were subdued, with only brief flashes of brilliance.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 3
The Sevilla forward had a forgettable match, with just one shot on target. He was substituted for Samuel Chukwueze at halftime.
Victor Boniface – 4
The Bayer Leverkusen striker was isolated for much of the game. Despite a few chances, he failed to capitalise and was replaced late on by Umar Sadiq.
Substitutes:
Samuel Chukwueze – 8
The standout performer. Introduced after halftime, Chukwueze’s electrifying energy paid off with a stunning solo goal. However, he faded as the match wore on.
Frank Onyeka – 5
Brought dynamism to the midfield but lacked precision in decision-making.
Victor Osimhen – 3
Coming on after Nigeria fell behind, the Galatasaray striker had little impact in the limited time he had.
Umar Sadiq – 3
Subbed on in the dying moments, the forward had no opportunity to influence the game.
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