Super Eagles stay top of AFCON group after draw with hosts Rwanda

The Super Eagles today were held to a scoreless draw by home team Rwanda to remain top of their 2025 AFCON qualifying group.

Nigeria now have four points from two matches, while Rwanda are second on two points.

Benin will play host to Libya in the other qualifier in Group D later today.

The Super Eagles created many chances in this contest in Kigali, but could not take any.

Rwanda will also have to thank their goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre, who pulled off at least three top-class saves to post a clean sheet.

Nigeria dominated the first half after the hosts started early on the front foot.

The ever-dangerous Ademola Lookman’s headed effort was ruled out rather controversially by the Moroccan referee after 22 minutes.

Victor Boniface was also not lucky as the Eagles created the better chances.

First, his effort from inside the box was blocked by the goalkeeper in the 24^th minute and then soon after his shot crashed against the crossbar.

Rwanda fought back after the interval, but again it was the Super Eagles who enjoyed the better chances.

Moses Simon was thwarted by the outstanding Rwanda shot stopper in the 54^th minute, when he was put through on goal.

In the 71st minute, it was a brilliant piece of goalkeeping by Rwanda that denied Lookman.

In the closing moments, a tame shot by Lookman held by the goalkeeper.

Immediately after that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was forced to make a big save off a shot from distance.  

In stoppage time, Bruno Onyemaechi could not apply the finish that would have buried the home team watched by their football-crazy President, Paul Kegame.

Super Eagles vs Rwanda (3-4-3)

Nwabali – Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, William Ekong (Captain) – Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi (Frank Onyeka 69),Bruno Onyemaechi, Dele-Bashiru (Onyedika 69)- Samuel Chukwueze (Moses Simon 46), Ademola Lookman (Taiwo Awoniyi 90), Victor Boniface (Osimhen 46)