The Super Eagles suffered their first defeat in the 2025 Nations Cup qualifier, losing 2-1 to the Wasps of Rwanda on matchday 6.
The match saw Nigeria's team heavily rotated, with Coach Augustine Eguavoen making seven changes to the lineup that drew 1-1 against Benin last Thursday in Côte d'Ivoire. Rwanda’s victory was crucial as they finished third in Group D, tied on points with Benin but lagging on goal difference.
A key moment of the match included a harsh tackle by Rwanda's Bonheur Mugisha on Nigeria's Alhassan Yusuf, marking a dramatic first half.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had a shot blocked in the second minute, and Kelechi Iheanacho had his effort also blocked in the 10th minute. Afterward, the contest developed into a tetchy and physical affair.
Yusuf was brutally chopped down in the 27th minute, and he needed treatment on the pitch. Mugisha was shown a yellow card, which could have been red in any other match.
On the dot of halftime, Kelechi Iheanacho produced a shot that was saved. Some seconds later, the Sevilla man had another chance, which he skied.
Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze came on for Yusuf and Iheanacho at the beginning of the second half, but it was Rwanda who started the half on the front foot. They won a corner immediately after the restart.
Three minutes into the second half, Victor Boniface delivered a powerful header from a corner taken by Moses Simon, but Fiacre Ntwari made a crucial save.