Nigeria 1-2 Rwanda: Super Eagles player ratings

Nigeria’s Super Eagles let go of a 1-0 lead to lose 1-2 to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, their only loss of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a brilliant solo effort, but Rwanda hit back with two quick goals from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti in the 72nd and 75th minutes to secure the win.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen opted for a second-string squad, but the players failed to perform as expected, struggling to show their quality on the pitch.

Here is the rating of the Super Eagles players for the 2025 AFCON loss to Rwanda in Uyo.

Player Ratings:

• Maduka Okoye – 5/10: Returning after two years, Okoye started well but faltered during Rwanda’s goals. He could have done better with the second goal, showing he may not yet be ready to reclaim the number 1 spot.
• William Troost-Ekong – 6/10: Improved from the last game but was partly at fault for the goals. His partnership with Gabriel Osho looked unsteady.
• Gabriel Osho – 6/10: Struggled to adapt to the physicality of African football. His weak positioning contributed to the goals conceded.
• Alhassan Yusuf – 6.8/10: Energetic in midfield, he gave Rwanda a hard time and was a bright spot. Nigeria felt his absence when he left the pitch.
• Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6/10: An average performance. He struggled defensively, with Rwanda’s second goal coming from his flank. His contributions in attack were limited.
• Bruno Onyemaechi – 6/10: Disappointing on the left flank. His connection with Moses Simon was poor, and his crosses failed to create any real chances.
• Raphael Onyedika – 5/10: Worked hard in midfield but failed to make an impact in the attack.
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 5/10: Had some good moments but did not live up to expectations as a key creative outlet.
• Kelechi Iheanacho – 4.5/10: A quiet game for the forward. He struggled to create chances and often slowed down the attack.
• Moses Simon – 6/10: Below his usual standards, Simon lacked his usual spark and creativity.
• Victor Boniface – 4.5/10: Another frustrating outing for the striker. His decision-making and shooting were poor, and he failed to make an impact in the box.
• Samuel Chukwueze – 8/10: The standout performer for Nigeria. Coming off the bench, he added energy to the attack and scored a brilliant solo goal.
• Frank Onyeka – 6.5/10: Decent in midfield, breaking up play with tactical fouls, but his positioning at times left gaps in the team’s structure.