Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 18, 2024 at 4pm UK

Akwa Ibom Stadium

Nigeriavs.Rwanda

Match preview

While Victor Osimhen's late goal in the 81st minute helped Nigeria to a draw against Benin, the team's performance for much of the match was lacklustre and unconvincing.

Eguavoen's team looked a bit vulnerable at the back and struggled with set-pieces against the Cheetahs. They fell behind to Mohamed Tijani's 16th-minute goal and were lucky not to concede another before their No. 9 levelled things up.

With the qualification format changing since AFCON expanded, it was unlikely that Nigeria would have a humiliating campaign. Fans were keen to see improved performances and results.

That hasn't really happened under the current regime, as we can see from the Super Eagles still playing like they're in first gear even though they've already qualified for next year's finals in Morocco.

Eguavoen's team have won two home games in a row, beating Benin 3-0 and Libya 1-0 without conceding a goal. They're aiming to make it three wins out of three when Rwanda visit on Monday.

Their opponents missed a chance last time out when they lost 1-0 at home to Libya. This meant they didn't make the most of the Super Eagles playing out a 1-1 draw with Benin.

The Wasps are going into the last round of qualifying two points behind second-placed Benin and one ahead of Libya in fourth.

There are lots of different ways the qualification process could play out, but none of them will be in effect unless Torsten Spittler's team wins in Uyo.

It'll be a surprise if they win, given that they haven't won a qualifier in nine years. The last time they won was in June 2015, when they beat Mozambique 1-0.

Since that win, there have been seven draws and six losses, including a six-game draw streak until last month's 3-0 loss to Benin.

This will be the first time Rwanda has appeared in the Cup of Nations since 2004.

Recent Performance

Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WDWD

Nigeria form (all competitions):LWDWWD

Rwanda Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DDLWL

Rwanda form (all competitions):DLWLWL

Team News

Osimhen's second strike against Benin in qualifying was his 23rd overall, putting him on par with Segun Odegbami. Nigeria's joint second-leading goalscorer could notch his 24th against Rwanda.

Ademola Lookman is hoping to score for the first time since a brace against Benin in September, despite having had a dry spell against the Cheetahs.

It'll be interesting to see if Eguavoen sticks with the back five against Rwanda, given he went with that system against the Super Eagles' West African neighbours from the start.

Ola Aina won't be playing due to injury, so Bright Osayi-Samuel might take his place in the starting XI.

Innocent Nshuti has scored two of the Wasps' three goals in qualifying, and he's hoping to get a third in Uyo.

Djihad Bizimana and Gilbert Mugisha have averaged 2.0 and 1.8 key passes per game, so their playmaking could be crucial in breaking down Nigeria's defence.

Fiacre Ntwari made an impressive nine saves in the previous match, which ended in a draw. The goalkeeper will be hoping for a similar performance as Rwanda look to secure a positive result against the Super Eagles.

Possible starting lineup

Nigeria possible starting lineup:

Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi; Simon, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen

Rwanda possible starting lineup:

Ntwari; Ombolenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi; Imanishimwe; Bizimana, Mugisha, Gueulette; Kwizera, Nshuti, Mugisha