Sports Mole previews Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying clash between Nigeria and Rwanda, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Having sealed their Africa Cup of Nations involvement, Nigeria host Rwanda in Monday’s final qualifying game at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, aiming to end their campaign positively.
Despite sealing the top spot, Augustine Eguavoen‘s men have had mixed performances in Group D, and they hope to avoid a shock result against a nation with everything to play for.
Match preview
While Victor Osimhen‘s late 81st-minute goal salvaged a draw against Benin, Nigeria’s performance for much of the match was lacklustre and unconvincing.
Eguavoen’s side looked vulnerable defensively in wide areas and struggled from set-pieces against the Cheetahs, falling behind to Mohamed Tijani‘s 16th-minute goal and fortunate to avoid conceding another before their No. 9 levelled proceedings.
The changed qualification format since AFCON’s expansion meant Nigeria were unlikely to suffer a humiliating campaign, with fans keen to see improved performances and results.
That has barely materialised under the current regime, as evidenced by the Super Eagles still seemingly playing in first gear despite sealing participation in next year’s finals in Morocco.
Eguavoen’s men have notched consecutive home victories against Benin (3-0) and Libya (1-0) in Uyo without conceding and aim to go three for three when Rwanda visit on Monday.
Their visitors missed a trick last time out in the 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Libya, thus failing to capitalise on the Super Eagles playing out a 1-1 draw with Benin.
The Wasps enter the final round of qualifying two points shy of second-placed Benin and one clear of Libya in fourth.
While a surfeit of qualification scenarios exist, none will be in play unless Torsten Spittler‘s men notch a win in Uyo.
That outcome will be a surprise given the Wasps’ nine-year winless run since a 1-0 success away at Mozambique in June 2015.
Since that triumph, seven stalemates and six defeats have followed, including a six-match draw sequence until last month’s 3-0 reverse against Benin.
An extension of that wait for road success ends Rwanda’s wait for a second Cup of Nations appearance and a first since 2004.
Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:
Nigeria form (all competitions):
Rwanda Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:
Rwanda form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago
Osimhen’s strike against Benin was his second in qualifying and 23 overall, moving him level with Segun Odegbami, and Nigeria’s joint-second leading goalscorer could notch his 24th against Rwanda.
Despite firing blanks against the Cheetahs, Ademola Lookman aims to score for the first time since a brace in the opening round against Benin in September.
Having opted for a back five against the Super Eagles’ West African neighbours, it will be interesting to see if Eguavoen retains that system on home turf against Rwanda.
Innocent Nshuti has netted two of the Wasps’ three goals in qualifying, and the forward seeks a third in Uyo.
Having averaged 2.0 and 1.8 key passes per game, Djihad Bizimana and Gilbert Mugisha‘s playmaking could be crucial in breaking down Nigeria’s defence.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Aina, 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
We say: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda
Even though Nigeria have already secured its spot at AFCON 2025, we anticipate the Super Eagles will maintain their winning momentum and aim for a perfect record with a victory in Uyo.
Rwanda’s historic difficulty in achieving positive results on the road suggests that the Super Eagles, with the home advantage and a desire to continue their strong performance, should emerge victorious.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
