2025 AFCON Final Qualifier: Rwanda Shock Nigeria 2-1 In Uyo

• Lucky Benin Republic nick 2nd spot on goals’ difference

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifiers on a shocking note losing 1-2 to The Wasps of Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital

But despite the visitors’ stunning upset, it was Benin Republic who ultimately clinched the second qualification spot in the Group D for next year’s TotalEnergies CAF Nations Cup.

It was a match in which the visiting Rwandan side staged a remarkable comeback from one goal down to claim the victory in their Match Day 6 fixture.

The unexpected result notwithstanding, Nigeria still finished top of the group with 11 point having already qualified for the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco following their one-all draw with Benin Republic last Thursday in Abidjan.

After a goalless first half in which both sides failed to convert chances, Nigeria began the second half strongly but still struggled to maintain control allowing the visitors to exploit their defensive lapses.

Winger Samuel Chukwueze ignited celebrations among the home fans when he put Nigeria ahead in the 59th minute but the visitors turned the game around with two quick goals in the 72nd and 75th minutes.

It was Aimable Mutinzi that kick-started Rwanda’s impressive comeback with the equalizer in the 72nd minute. And about three minutes later, Imanishimwe Nshuti punished the Super Eagles for their temporary defensive error to seal an unforgettable win for the Wasps.

Though later cautioned for time-wasting, Nshuti was still adjudged the standout performer at the end of proceedings.

Despite coasting home to victory, Rwanda still failed to qualify as they were edged out on goals’ difference by Benin which finished second place in the group with the same eight (8) points.

A 0-0 draw against Libya in Tripoli was enough for the Squirrels to join group winners Nigeria in Morocco next year, as they edged Rwanda on head-to-head record despite finishing level on points.

With just five (5) points after drawing goalless in the final match, Libya placed bottom of the Group D table.