Both Nigeria and Rwanda have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their 2025 AFCON Group D final qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Nigeria secured their qualification for the 2025 AFCON after a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic and Libya’s win over Rwanda, finishing top of the group with 11 points from five matches.
Rwanda, despite a 1-0 loss to Libya, still has a mathematical chance of qualifying but must beat Nigeria and rely on Libya defeating Benin Republic to progress. The Super Eagles landed in Uyo at 3:50 pm aboard a ValueJet flight, while the Amavubi arrived at 5:00 pm via an Ibom Air flight from Lagos.
Nigeria leads the group with 11 points, while Benin Republic (7 points), Rwanda (5 points), and Libya (4 points) are all vying for the second qualifying spot.
With qualification secured, Nigeria is expected to play a more relaxed game against Rwanda, unlike their tense match against the Cheetahs.
In their last match, Nigeria drew 1-1 with Benin Republic, with Victor Osimhen’s 81st-minute header equalizing Mohamed Tijani’s first-half opener. The first meeting between Nigeria and Rwanda in September ended in a 0-0 draw, with Nigeria having a controversial Ademola Lookman goal disallowed.
The match will be officiated by Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz, alongside his compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune, and Kech Chaf Mustapha. Despite already qualifying, Nigeria’s performance in this match will affect the final standings in a tightly contested Group D.
The match officials, including referee Samir Guezzaz, Commissioner Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana, and Somalian assessor Ali Mohamed Ahmed, are set to arrive on Saturday ahead of the 5 p.m. kickoff.
A festive and carnival-like atmosphere is anticipated at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, also known as the Nest of Champions, as the Super Eagles celebrate their qualification.
The Super Eagles have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON, adding to the celebratory mood during the match against Rwanda. The match at the Nest of Champions is expected to draw a passionate crowd, supporting the Eagles as they play their final group game.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m., with fans and officials preparing for an engaging event filled with energy and excitement.
Peoplesmind
