Nigeria were denied an away win in Kigali on Tuesday after an outstanding performance by Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The match ended in a 0-0 draw despite Nigeria getting 20 shots on goal, 9 of which were on target.
With the draw, Nigeria sit at the top of Group D with 4 points through two matches. They are followed by Benin on 3 points, Rwanda on 2 and Libya with a solitary point. With four matches left in the qualifiers, there is still a lot of football to be played but Nigeria look comfortable in their position so far.
There was only one change to the starting lineup made by Coach Austin Eguavoen from the team that won the opener 3-0 against Benin. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was introduced at the cost of Alex Iwobi in the midfield.
Nigeria had the opportunity to get off to a hot start but defender Bruno Onyemaechi miscued his shot after a great pass by Ademola Lookman in just the third minute. Two minutes later, midfielder Wiflred Ndidi had a shot go straight to goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. Just five minutes into the match and already creating multiple opportunities, Nigeria looked like they were in total control at this point.
The most controversial play of the match came in the 22nd minute when Lookman headed a ball into the net but was disallowed by Moroccan referee Karim Sabry. The reasoning behind what the Lookman had pushed a defender in the build-up to the goal. Coach Eguavoen heavily criticized the call after the match.
Even with the let down, Nigeria kept attacking as Victor Boniface was handed a couple of great glorious opportunities in the 25th minute, and then the 37th minute. Unfortunately he was unable to convert on either shot and even Onyemaechi’s second chance strike rocked the upright and bounced back into play.
Nigeria’s last chance before the halftime break came to Onyemaechi with just four minutes to go. He got into a terrific scoring position but headed the ball wide after receiving a cross from the right by Olaoluwa Aina.
It was more of the same in the second half, as substitute Moses Simon’s shot from a William Ekong cross was blocked by Ntwari.
Rwanda’s best shot to steal the match came from Jojea Kwizera in the 68th minute. He broke forward and got behind the Nigerian defense but was unable to control his shot.
With just 19 minutes left, Lookman had yet another chance to get his team on the board but his volley from Aina’s cross was punched out by Ntwari.
Nwarti didn’t stop there, spoiling another late chance by substitute Raphael Onyedika by getting his hand on a firmly struck ball. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen also tried his best late in the match but had his header deflected in added time.
After 90 minutes of attacking pressure the Rwandan team was ecstatic to come away with a draw while the Nigerians were left frustrated by keeper Nwarti.
Even though Nigeria are ranked much higher than Rwanda, they have a history of their matches ending in ties. Nigeria forced a 1-1 draw in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Amahoro, and both teams drew 0-0 in a 2013 AFCON qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.
The next test for Nigeria will be Libya on October 7th at the Abuja National Stadium. As the tournament favourites, Nigeria will be expected to dominate the matchup against one of the weaker teams in the tournament. Expect a number of changes to the starting lineup due to the inability to get on the board against Rwanda.
Starting Lineups
Rwanda: Fiacre Ntwari, Claude Niyomugabo, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Fitina Ombolenga, Steve Rubanguka, Djihad Bizimana, Jojea Kwizera, Kevin Muhire, Gilbert Mugisha, Innocent Nshuti.
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze.
