By Fidel Ozugha
The visiting Rwandan team gave the host Super Eagles of Nigeria a shock they won’t forget in a hurry. The shock is a 2-1victory in the AFCON qualifier match played at Uyo, Akwa Ibom Stadium.
On a good note, the host showed leadership with the 59th minute goal through Emmanuel Chukwueze. Nigerians in the stadium were delighted and yelled for more.
However, instead of getting more goals requested from the Super Eagles, it was the underdog visitors that gave them the they requested for to silence both the players and their supporters.
The Rwandans, through Aimable Mutinzi quickly replied Chukwueze’s goal, equalizing for his team at the 72nd minute of the game.
And just three minutes after Mutinzi removed both laughter and joy on the face of the home crowd, Imanishimwe Nshuti gave the supporters a take away goal. He completed the comeback, sealing a memorable win for his country.
The visitors were full of resilience and highly determined to make business in the match. Although the Super Eagles lost with a shocking 2-1 to the Rwandans, they had already qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco by finishing top of the group with 11 points.
Both teams lost golden scoring opportunities especially in the first half to the chagrin of the spectators and supporters of both teams.
It was in the second half that Nigeria showed early dominance which was faltered as Rwanda capitalised on defensive lapses. Nshuti, who was later booked for time-wasting, emerged as the hero for the visitors.
With three wins, two draws, and one loss, earning 11 points, Nigeria topped Group D. Benin and Rwanda both finished with 8 points, but Benin secured second place on goal difference to join Nigeria in the tournament proper. Among the teams in the group, Libya finished at the bottom with 5 points.
