AFCON qualifiers witnessed another shocking twist, the Super Eagles of Nigeria fell to a determined Rwandan side on Monday, November 18, 2024, in their final group stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The 2-1 defeat at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo left fans in disbelief, not only because Nigeria had already secured qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco but also due to the manner of their collapse against the underdog Amavubi (Wasps) of Rwanda.
Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, giving Nigerian fans hope of a comfortable win. However, the script flipped dramatically as Thierry Mutsinzi equalised in the 72nd minute, with Innocent Nshuti scoring the decisive goal just three minutes later. Despite enjoying a majority of possession and numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Nigeria could not find their footing after the second goal, leaving questions about their preparedness for the bigger stage.

Tactical Decisions Under Fire
Coach Austin Eguavoen’s decisions before and during the game have been criticised as a significant factor in the defeat. In what seemed like an experimental lineup, key players like Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho started on the bench. This gamble, aimed at giving younger or fringe players an opportunity, failed to pay off, as the team lacked coordination and cutting-edge precision in the final third. The substitutes injected some urgency, but by the time Eguavoen brought on Osimhen, the damage had already been done.
Furthermore, the defence, marshalled by Kenneth Omeruo and Calvin Bassey, struggled to handle Rwanda’s swift counter-attacks. The midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi also appeared disjointed, unable to dictate the tempo effectively. Critics argue that the lack of tactical cohesion allowed Rwanda to exploit Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.
A Night to Remember for Rwanda
For Rwanda, this victory was not just an upset; it was a historic moment in their footballing journey. Before this encounter, the Amavubi had never defeated the Super Eagles in six previous meetings. Their triumph was a testament to their tactical discipline, resilience, and ability to capitalise on Nigeria’s lapses.

Thierry Mutsinzi was the standout performer, with his equalising goal sparking a belief that the Rwandans could achieve the improbable. Innocent Nshuti’s winning goal highlighted the team’s growing confidence and ability to rise to big occasions. Rwanda’s coach, Vincent Mashami, praised his players for their tenacity, calling the win “a symbol of what we can achieve with focus and determination.” The result is expected to boost Rwanda’s morale as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers.
Fans’ Frustration Boils Over
The defeat did not sit well with the Nigerian fans, many of whom expressed their anger and disappointment on social media. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye bore the brunt of the criticism, with fans blaming him for being poorly positioned during Rwanda’s second goal. Others called for a reassessment of the coaching setup, questioning whether Eguavoen is the right man to lead Nigeria into the AFCON and beyond.

Fans at the stadium booed the players at the final whistle, a rare occurrence that underscores the discontent among supporters. Many felt the team underestimated their opponents, a sentiment echoed by sports analysts who described the loss as a “lesson in humility” for the Super Eagles.
Implications for the Future
While the Super Eagles have already qualified for AFCON 2025, this loss serves as a timely wake-up call. The team must address critical issues such as defensive frailties, inconsistent midfield performances, and questionable tactical decisions. With the World Cup qualifiers around the corner, Nigeria cannot afford further complacency.
Coach Eguavoen acknowledged the need for improvement, stating in a post-match interview, “We have to learn from this. It’s not the result we wanted, but we’ll go back to the drawing board.” However, questions remain about whether the current coaching team can implement the necessary changes.
The Broader Picture
This result is also a reminder of the shifting dynamics in African football. Lesser-known teams like Rwanda are closing the gap on traditional powerhouses, thanks to improved coaching, better facilities, and increased exposure to international competitions. For Nigeria, this underscores the need for constant evolution and adaptation to remain competitive at the highest level.

Rwanda’s victory will likely inspire other so-called minnows to believe in their ability to challenge the giants of African football. For the Amavubi, this is more than just three points; it is a statement of intent and a sign of their growing ambition.
Lessons Learned
The match in Uyo highlighted the need for better preparation, mental focus, and respect for all opponents. The Super Eagles must use this defeat as an opportunity to reassess their strategy, both on and off the pitch. From player selection to tactical execution, there is much to be done to ensure that Nigeria lives up to its billing as one of Africa’s footballing giants.

The road to AFCON 2025 promises to be challenging, and the Super Eagles must rise above this setback to prove their mettle. Whether they can do so will depend on how quickly they learn from this defeat and adapt to the challenges ahead.
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