The Amavubi, Rwanda’s national football team, touched down in Uyo, Nigeria today, as they prepare for a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the formidable Super Eagles.
This pivotal match is a must-win for the East African team, who face a uphill battle to reach the 2025 tournament. Last Thursday’s narrow 1-0 loss to Libya has added extra pressure on the Amavubi’s shoulders.
This weekend, the Rwandan team will face their toughest test yet, when they take on the well-seasoned Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The encounter is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, November 18, and requires nothing short of a heroics to come out victorious.
Avoiding elimination is Rwanda’s top priority. Not only do they need to defeat the Super Eagles, but also rely on Benin Republic to suffer a loss in their matchup against Libya. This unprecedented situation has raised the tension ahead of the match, as the Amavubi must defy the odds to keep their qualifying hopes alive.
The Super Eagles, on the other hand, have already secured their place in the Morocco 2025 finals, and sit comfortably at the top of Group D under the guidance of manager Augustine Eguavoen. In their last match, they showcased their tenacity, fighting back from behind to draw 1-1 against Benin Republic.
Benin Republic held a 1-0 lead at the 16th minute mark, thanks to a strike from center-back Mohammed Tijani. However, they squandered multiple opportunities to seal the deal, which ultimately led to the stalemate. A late goal by Victor Osimhen equalized for the Super Eagles, as the Cheetahs’ failed to capitalize on their promising performance.
Captain Steve Mounie lamented his team’s poor finishing, saying, “It’s not a bad result by itself, but we can do better.” He added that the disappointment of the draw will be a significant motivation for the team heading into their next match in Libya.
Reflecting on their opponent, Mounie noted, “When you play against Nigeria and you don’t finish the game off, that’s just the way it is.”
