Nigeria Suffers Disappointing 2-1 Loss To Rwanda In AFCON Finale
The Nigerian national team closed their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a sour note, succumbing to a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final group-stage game. The match, held at the iconic Stade de la Révolution in Brazzaville, saw the Super Eagles fall short of expectations, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s tactical execution and mental preparedness.
From the opening whistle, it was evident that Nigeria struggled to find rhythm. Rwanda, often perceived as underdogs in the tournament, began with a high press, disrupting Nigeria's attempts to build play from the back. In the 14th minute, Rwanda capitalized on a defensive lapse when Jean-Pierre Mugenzi latched onto a loose ball, firing a precise shot past Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho. The early goal energized the Rwandan side and put Nigeria on the back foot.
Despite being favorites, Nigeria seemed rattled, with midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi failing to assert control. The Super Eagles created few clear-cut chances in the first half, as Rwanda’s disciplined defense stifled their attacking moves.
The second half saw Nigeria adopt a more aggressive approach. Manager José Peseiro made a double substitution, bringing on Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze in a bid to revitalize the attack. The changes paid off temporarily when Osimhen equalized in the 63rd minute with a clinical header off a cross from Moses Simon.
The goal reignited hope for Nigerian fans, and for a brief period, the Super Eagles dominated possession. However, a combination of wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping by Rwanda’s Olivier Kwizera kept the scoreline level.
Just as Nigeria seemed poised to turn the game around, Rwanda delivered a devastating counterattack in the 79th minute. Ernest Sugira broke free on the left flank, evading two defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross to Thierry Manzi, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. The goal silenced the Nigerian supporters and showcased Rwanda’s resilience and tactical discipline.
The defeat marked the end of a lackluster campaign for Nigeria, who had been tipped as strong contenders for the title. Speaking after the match, manager Peseiro expressed disappointment:
“We didn’t execute our game plan effectively today. Credit to Rwanda; they were better organized and more clinical. We need to go back and reassess our approach moving forward.”
Rwanda, on the other hand, celebrated their historic victory. Captain Olivier Niyonzima described the win as a “dream come true,” emphasizing the team’s determination and unity throughout the tournament.
Several factors contributed to Nigeria’s underwhelming performance. Tactical rigidity, defensive errors, and an inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities were evident throughout the tournament. Additionally, questions linger over the team’s mental toughness, as they struggled to respond effectively under pressure.
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