Nigeria maintained their lead in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles, fresh from their 3-0 victory over Benin last Friday, found themselves frustrated by a resilient Rwandan side and a stellar performance from home goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen made just one change to his starting line-up, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replacing Alex Iwobi in midfield. The alteration did little to disrupt Nigeria’s rhythm, as they dominated possession for large stretches of the match.
The hosts started brightly, with Gilbert Mugisha firing wide in the opening exchanges. Nigeria’s first chance fell to Bruno Onyemaechi, who failed to capitalise on a promising position.
As the first half progressed, the Super Eagles began to assert their dominance. Wilfred Ndidi tested Ntwari with a well-struck effort, while Ademola Lookman thought he had broken the deadlock in the 22nd minute. The Atalanta forward headed home from Semi Ajayi’s knockdown, only for Egyptian referee Karim Sabry to disallow the goal for a foul in the build-up.
Tensions flared midway through the first half, with Samuel Chukwueze and Rwanda’s Claude Niyomugabo both receiving yellow cards after a heated exchange during a corner kick.
Victor Boniface, leading the line in the absence of Victor Osimhen, came closest to scoring for Nigeria before the break. The Bayer Leverkusen striker’s clever footwork created space in the box, but his shot cannoned off the crossbar with Ntwari beaten.
Eguavoen introduced Osimhen and Moses Simon after half-time in search of a breakthrough. The change almost paid immediate dividends, with Simon latching onto Ndidi’s lofted pass, only to be thwarted by the impressive Ntwari.
As the match wore on, Nigeria continued to probe, but found clear-cut chances at a premium. Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka were brought on to freshen up the midfield, while Ola Aina’s long throws caused moments of panic in the Rwandan defence.
Despite their territorial advantage and superior possession, the Super Eagles were unable to find a way past Ntwari and his determined backline. The result leaves Nigeria top of Group D with four points from two matches, while Rwanda secured their first point of the qualifying campaign.
