Rwanda produces historic upset over Nigeria

Rwanda produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers on Monday, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo. However, despite the Amavubi’s heroic performance, it was Benin who clinched the second qualification spot from Group D, thanks to a crucial 0-0 draw against Libya in Tripoli.

Benin’s resolute defensive performance in Libya ensured that the Squirrels joined group winners Nigeria in Morocco next year, advancing on a superior head-to-head record against Rwanda after both teams finished level on points.

Heading into the final round of qualifiers, Benin knew that a draw against Libya would be enough to secure their place in Morocco—provided Rwanda did not beat Nigeria by a significant margin. The Squirrels held their ground against a dominant Libyan side at the 11 June Stadium, who enjoyed the lion's share of possession and created several scoring opportunities.

Libya’s best chance came late in the match when Ali Yousef Musrati’s strike narrowly missed the target. Despite facing sustained pressure, Benin’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé making several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

While Benin struggled to create much offensively, their defensive resilience proved crucial. The goalless draw saw them finish level on eight points with Rwanda, but they edged the Amavubi into third place due to their superior head-to-head record, which included a vital 2-1 win earlier in the campaign.

Nigeria’s unbeaten run ends in Uyo

In Uyo, Rwanda ended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the qualifiers with a thrilling 2-1 win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Super Eagles had already secured their place in Morocco but were stunned by the determined Amavubi, who refused to give up on their qualification hopes.

Nigeria took the lead in the 59th minute through Samuel Chukwueze, who finished neatly after a brilliant pass from Frank Onyeka. However, Rwanda responded just 13 minutes later when Ange Mutsinzi headed in a perfectly delivered free-kick from Jojea Kwizera.

The visitors completed the comeback in the 75th minute when Innocent Nshuti slotted home from a tight angle, sending the Rwanda fans into a frenzy and silencing the home crowd. Nigeria pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong both coming close, but Rwanda’s defense held firm to secure a historic victory.

Despite the win, Rwanda’s earlier results meant they fell just short of qualifying. Nevertheless, the victory in Uyo was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination.

Benin and Nigeria head to Morocco

In the end, Benin’s 0-0 draw with Libya proved enough to secure their second-place finish in Group D, as they join Nigeria in representing the group at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Nigeria, despite their loss to Rwanda, will look to bounce back and refocus on their Afcon preparations, while Benin will seek to build on their solid defensive performances as they gear up for the continental showpiece.

For Rwanda, the victory in Uyo came too late to salvage their qualification hopes, but the Amavubi can take pride in their spirited display and look ahead to future campaigns with optimism.