The Super Eagles were tonight upset 2-1 by 2026 World Cup qualifying rivals Rwanda in a final 2025 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.
It was the first win by Rwanda over Nigeria at full international level.
Despite the disappointing home loss, the Super Eagles won Group D with 11 points from six matches.
Rwanda finished on eight points.
The Super Eagles opened scoring in the 59th minute courtesy of the individual brilliance of substitute Samuel Chukwueze.
He simply raced the heart of the crowded Rwanda defence before he delivered a low shot that beat the goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
However, Rwanda drew level in the 72nd minute, when Jummy Mutsinzi headed home a header beyond goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The visitors then pulled ahead three minutes later through Innocent Nshuti.
In the 50th minute, a header by Victor Boniface off Moses Simon corner was saved by the outstanding Rwanda goalkeeper, who was Man of the Match when both teams played out a scoreless draw in Kigali in September.
It was a tepid first half with the only clear chance falling to Kelechi Iheanacho, but his left-footed strike was kept out by the Rwanda shot stopper.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Rwanda(4-3-3) Maduka Okoye – Bright Osayi-Samuel, William Ekong (Captain), Gabriel Osho, Bruno Onyemaechi – Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf (Frank Onyeka 46), Fisayo Dele Bashiru (Osimhen 77) – Moses Simon, Victor Boniface (sadiq Umar 88), Kelechi Iheanacho (Samuel Chukwueze 46)
Super Eagles contact Moses Simon over injury fearsSCORENigeria has learnt that the Super Eagles staff have reached out to FC Nantes winger Moses Simon over an ankle injury that threatens to keep him out of must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The FC Nantes coach said the player has missed several days training due to an ankle problem. However, Moses Simon assured he ...
Read more Continue reading here ▶ Super Eagles coach leads backroom staff to RwandaSCORENigeria can report that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will lead the team’s backroom staff to Kigali Sunday ahead of a must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier against home team Rwanda. It was further gathered that the coach and support staff will depart on Ethiopian Airlines, which means they will stop over in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ...
Read more Continue reading here ▶ Osimhen tips Victor Boniface to be African Player of YearVictor Osimhen has backed Victor Boniface to be crowned CAF African Player of the Year. Osimhen listed himself, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface as players in the Super Eagles capable of scooping Africa’s highest individual prize. Victor Boniface was outstanding in his first Bundesliga season for Bayer Leverkusen to win the league and cup double ...
Read more Continue reading here ▶ Galatasaray Director begs fans to pay $2 each for Osimhen transfer feeVictor Osimhen has been the major reason Galatasaray are on course to winning a third straight Turkish Super Lig and so the Istanbul giants are keen to sign the striker on a permanent basis when his loan transfer ends in the summer. Various proposals have therefore been presented on how Galatasaray could raise the cash ...
Read more Continue reading here ▶ Latest on Super Eagles star’s on-off deal with FenerbacheThe fluid situation surrounding the future of Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has taken a new twist. Fenerbache have refused to meet the new salary demand of Osayi-Samuel, whose contract is up this summer. The 27-year-old player has asked for an annual salary of 2.8 Million Euros, which the club countered with an offer of ...
Read more Continue reading here ▶