In a stunning turn of events, Rwanda produced a spirited performance to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier on Monday. Despite already having qualified, Nigeria was expected to maintain their unbeaten streak in the group, but Rwanda’s resilience turned the tables.

The match came alive in the 59th minute when Samuel Chukwueze showcased his individual brilliance, weaving through the Rwandan defense to put Nigeria ahead. However, the Amavubi, undeterred, responded with two rapid goals that silenced the Nigerian home crowd and secured a memorable victory.

While the win marked a significant achievement for Rwanda, it was bittersweet. They ultimately fell short in their quest for AFCON qualification, as Benin Republic claimed the group’s second spot. Rwanda’s triumph did, however, puncture Nigeria’s hopes of finishing the qualification series without a loss, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football.

This result will likely spark discussions in both camps: for Rwanda, the potential they showed despite elimination, and for Nigeria, questions over their inability to maintain momentum even with qualification secured.