The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be looking to pick their second win of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they play Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
After thrashing Benin 3-0 in their opening game of the qualifiers, for Augustine Eguavoen and his lads, it will be about consistency and maintaining the momentum now.
But for sure, Rwanda will not make it easy for them on their home turf, with at least 25,000 fans behind them in their 30,000-capacity stadium.
They already dropped two points in their opening game of the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Lybia in Tripoli. As such, the Amavubi would put in their all to ensure they picked their first win.
For both teams, it is a must-win fixture. A win for Nigeria would mean that they need just two more wins to seal their place at the next AFCON, while a win for Rwanda could see them go top of Group D.
Also, a win would bring some form of balance to Nigeria following months of uncertainty surrounding the team and the coaching position.
Rwanda have been more settled in the past year, under the tutelage of Torsten Spittler, and a win would put some wind in their sails heading into their next run of games.
Coach Eguavoen will have the full complement of his squad. Wilfred Ndidi looked like he sustained a knock in the last game against Benin, but he should be fit enough to play.
For Rwanda, Rhode Island forward Jojea Kwizera may miss the game after sustaining an injury in their last game against Lybia. He remains the only doubt for them for the game against the Super Eagles.
The last time both countries met was in June 2012, when the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Nigeria, thanks to goals from Ike Uche and Ahmed Musa. That was an AFCON 2013 qualifier. And recall that the Super Eagles went on to win the competition proper. Perhaps, thunder might strike twice.
Rwanda won two in their last five games, drew two, and lost one away at Benin. The last game they won was an away game against Lesotho in June, albeit at a neutral location.
Meanwhile, Nigeria have picked up two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five games. In the last four games between both sides, the Super Eagles have won twice, and drawn twice.
The Super Eagles have better quality on paper, so they are expected to dominate the game slightly. However, it won’t be like the game against Benin, where they dominated it entirely.
Rwanda have the home advantage and will try to take the game to the Super Eagles. If the back line is not solid enough, they may even concede.
Teams like these know how to feed from scraps, so Nigeria have to avoid making mistakes at the back. Also, Rwanda will be physical with Nigeria, so players like Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze could make an impact for the Eagles.
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali; William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman.
Rwanda: Fiacre Ntwari; Claude Niyomugabo, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Fitina Omoborenga; Steve Rubanguka, Djihad Bizimana, Gilbert Mugisha, Kevin Muhire, Innocent Nshuti; Samuel Gueulette.
Nigeria are massive favourites going into the game and should be able to get all three points because of their quality on paper.
The game should end 2-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
This post was last modified on September 9, 2024 5:34 pm
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