The senior national team of Nigeria ended their campaign in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a 1-2 loss at home to Rwanda in a dead rubber tie as they have already booked their spot at the tournament, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Rwanda recovered from a goal down scored by Samuel Chukwueze to win 2-1, although it was insufficient for them to make it to the AFCON with Benin Republic drawing 1-1 against Libya in Tripoli.
We rate the players on parade for Nigeria in the game.
Maduka Okoye – Not at fault for the first goal conceded but should have done better for the second goal as he was beaten on his near post. Not the way he would have loved to mark his return to the team…..5/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Assured on the ball and tenacious in tackles. He however failed to keep up with his man who delivered the cross for the second goal scored by the visitors…..5.5/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – Didn’t put a foot wrong in the entire game. A performance that showed how well he has cemented his spot as the first choice left back of the team. Unfortunate to be on the losing side…..7/10
William Troost-Ekong – Not one of his best performances in a Super Eagles shirt. Should have dealt with initial the ball that led to the second goal and also was the leader of the back four that were flat footed from the cross that helped Rwanda draw level…..5/10
Gabriel Osho – Grew into the game and showed his ability to play out from the back. Didn’t lose a single duel but poor performances elsewhere ruined what would have been a perfect home debut for the Auxerre defender…..7/10
Raphael Onyedika – Always wants the ball and sprayed it around nicely. Glued everything together in the middle. Surely made a case for a regular spot in the team and will let down by performances elsewhere on the pitch……7/10
Alhassan Yusuf – He was his usual busy type and covered a lot of ground. Delayed releasing a pass that would have set Boniface free at the far post eight minutes into the game. Subbed off at halftime with what looked like pains from the knock he received midway through the first half……6/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – By far the worse player on the pitch in the first half. With heavy touches and indecisiveness on the ball hence no surprise that he didn’t return for the second half…..3/10
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Slowed down three moves that could have opened up a goal scoring chance in the first half. Didn’t look entirely fit and was deservedly subbed off in the second half…..6/10
Moses Simon – The only one who looked likely to make things happen and could have gotten at least two assists. Easily one of the most influential player in the team at the moment…..7.5/10
Victor Boniface – Seems to be battling with confidence due to the goal drought he is facing. Unlucky not to end it with a header which was well saved. Wasted more chances that any player for the Nigerian side…..4/10
Substitutes
:Samuel Chukwueze – Brought spark into the team. Capped it a fantastic solo goal to break the deadlock….6/10
Victor Osimhen – Motivated the team with his fighting spirit and determination upon his introduction. He carried more threats that Boniface who lasted longer on the pitch…..6/10
Frank Onyeka – A willing runner who impacted the dynamics of the game but looked bereft of ideas when around the box with his wayward efforts…..5/10
Sadiq Umar – Didn’t get enough time to earn a rating.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
