Rwanda beat Nigeria, fail to qualify for AFCON 2025

Rwanda's men's national football team failed to earn a berth at the 2025 AFCON despite defying the odds and beating Nigeria 2-1 at home in the 2025 AFCON Qualifying match held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Monday, 18 November.

Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti helped Amavubi come from behind to land an indelible win, cancelling out Samuel Chukwueze’s effort.

However, it was a bittersweet evening for Frank Torsten Spittler’s side as their memorable victory wasn’t enough following Benin’s scoreless draw against Libya.

Amavubi came into the contest knowing that in order to stage an AFCON spot – something they haven’t done since 2004 – they must defeat Nigeria and hope Libya defeat Benin. Rwanda did everything they could this evening to qualify but were unable to progress to Africa’s most prestigious tournament.

They finished third in Group D with eight points, levelling on points with Benin just falling short on goal differences, as The Cheetahs and Super Eagles advance to the 2025 AFCON, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Torsten Spittler made two adjustments from the starting 11 that lost 1-0 to Libya on 14 November, with Jean Bosco Ruboneka coming in for Samuel Gueulette in the midfield while Olivier Dushimimana replacing Jojea Kwizera on the right wing.

Meanwhile, Augustin Eguavoen had almost changed the whole starting 11, handing starting spots to eight players as his side had already secured a ticket to Morocco. Captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Boniface, and Dele-Bashiru were the only regular players who were started for Nigeria.

The two teams played out a goalless first half, though it was not looking bad for Rwanda as they had produced several scoring chances, still, the Super Eagles were a better side

Victor Boniface forced Fiacre Ntwali to make a brilliant save only three minutes into the second half after the Bayer Leverkusen striker’s powerful header from Dele-Bashiru’s corner kick.

Nigeria broke the stalemate in the 59th minute, with Chukwueze scoring a superb goal after beating three Rwandan players in the buildup.

Mutsinzi equalised in the 72nd minute with a fine header after substitute Jojea Kwizera set him up with a free-kick.

Three minutes later, Nshuti gave Amavubi the lead, putting the ball into the back of the net with his right foot after Imanishimwe squared for him, and the goal proved to be a match-winner as Rwanda secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.

Photo: Innocent netted the winner for Amavubi during their 2-1 victory in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.