AFCON 2025: Rwandan Goalkeeper Frustrates Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Fiacre Ntwari, Rwandan Goalkeeper, was undoubtedly the Man of the Match. He made nine fantastic saves to deny the Super Eagles of Nigeria a second victory in the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Nigeria and Rwanda stifled themselves to a scoreless draw at a refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday, but the Super Eagles retain leadership of their qualifying group courtesy of the 3-0 whiplash of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.

Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, playing the Cheetahs in Abidjan some hours later, would only be able to dislodge the Eagles if they win by three goals.

The draw was typical of two earlier encounters between both teams in Kigali, as Nigeria forced a 1-1 draw in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match also at the Amahoro, and both teams drew 0-0 in a 2013 AFCON qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen made only one change from the squad that defeated Benin Republic last Saturday, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking the place of Alex Iwobi.

Defender Bruno Onyemaechi should have put Nigeria ahead after only three minutes, but he miscued his shot after a great pass by Ademola Lookman. Two minutes later, midfielder Wiflred Ndidi’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Bonheur Mugisha and Kevin Muhire took turns harassing the Super Eagles’ defence as the game wore on, but Nigeria could have been up by a goal after 22 minutes as Lookman headed into the net.

But Moroccan referee Karim Sabry ruled that a Nigerian player had pushed a defender in the build-up.

Bayer Leverkusen Football Club of Germany striker, Victor Boniface wasted a glorious opportunity in the 25th minute, and in the 37th minute, Onyemaechi failed to capitalize as Boniface’s shot rocked the upright and bounced back into play.

Four minutes to half time, Onyemaechi, getting into scoring positions easily, headed wide when he received a cross from the right by Olaoluwa Aina.

Eight minutes into the second half, substitute Moses Simon’s shot from William Ekong’s floater was blocked by an imperious Ntwari.

Jojea Kwizera could have put the Wasps in front on 68th minutes as the home boys broke forward, but his shot flew away from goal.

With 19 minutes left, Lookman was almost celebrating a goal, only to see his volley from Aina’s cross punched out by Ntwari. Mugisha, undaunted, unleashed a rocket from 22 yards with two minutes, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali punched into safety.

Substitute Raphael Onyedika could have struck in the 89th minute, but again, Ntwari was on hand to block his shot, just as he held firmly to the ball from substitute Victor Osimhen’s header in added time.

The Super Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October, but top the Group with four points from two matches.