AFCON 2025
Despite recording 20 shots and creating three big chances, Augustine Eguavoen’s men could not beat Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who was in excellent form on the day.
Here are 5 things we learned from the game.
Boniface’ struggles continue
Victor Boniface was given the nod to start over Victor Osimhen once again, but he failed to make a meaningful impact on the game, mirroring his struggles against Benin.
His closest attempt at scoring came when he struck the crossbar with a fine strike but he largely underwhelmed and was hauled off at halftime.
Super Eagles were unlucky
Despite creating three clear-cut chances and having nine shots on target, Eguavoen’s side was unable to find the back of the net. They came agonizingly close, with Victor Boniface striking the crossbar, while the Rwandan goalkeeper made a string of impressive saves, denying the Super Eagles on nine occasions. Ultimately, Nigeria’s efforts were thwarted, and they were forced to settle for a goalless draw.
The artificial pitch was a problem
The Amahoro Stadium, Rwanda’s largest venue, presented a challenge for the Super Eagles due to its hybrid pitch surface, which differs from the pure grass surfaces most of the players are accustomed to in their European clubs.
This discrepancy impacted their game flow, as they struggled to adapt. Before the match, a senior NFF official expressed concerns about the pitch, hoping it wouldn’t hinder the team’s performance.
Ndidi remains crucial in midfield
Ndidi was having an excellent game, controlling the midfield with ease. His removal with 20 minutes left, took the sting out of Nigeria’s midfield, allowing Rwanda to grow in confidence in the latter stages.
This substitution disrupted the Super Eagles’ rhythm and momentum, and while Frank Onyeka is never a bad replacement, he lacked the drive Ndidi provided for the team.
Fiacre Ntwari is a top keeper
The Rwandan goalkeeper was the hero of the match, producing a string of spectacular saves to deny the Super Eagles on multiple occasions. He made an impressive 9 saves in total, including crucial stops from Ademola Lookman’s powerful strike, Victor Osimhen’s attempt, and several other attempts from Nigeria’s attacking players.
