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By Rasaq Oboirien
Three-time champions Nigeria was handed a reality check after it ended its 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifiers with a shocking 2-1 home loss to a brave Rwanda on Monday.
After a goal down early in the second half, the Amavubi staged a remarkable comeback to claim the victory, but it was not enough to earn them a ticket to the continent’s biggest football fiesta in Morocco.
Before the last Group D fixtures, Austin Egauvoen-led Super Eagles had already secured qualification for the AFCON 2025, finishing as group leaders with 11 points.
After a boring first-half performance at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring for the Super Eagles in the 59th minute, igniting celebrations among the Uyo fans.
However, Amavubi quickly turned the tide around within three minutes to the anguish of a star-studded Super Eagles and their fans.
Ange Mutinzi equalised in the 72nd minute, while Imanishimwe Nshuti put the icing on the cake, capitalising on the Super Eagles school boy defending to complete the comeback and seal an unforgettable win for the East Africans.
