Rwanda and Nigeria cancelled each other out in their latest Group D 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier this week, following a 0-0 stalemate at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
The possession count was evenly shared during the first 15 minutes of the match, while both sides were presented with a couple of goal- scoring opportunities in the process.
Nigeria began showing more dominance on the ball after the 20th minute mark while Rwanda fell deeper into their own half as result of the constant pressure by the Super Eagles.
Victor Boniface came agonisingly close to opening the scoring shortly before the break after he produced a shot inside the box that struck the crossbar.
In looking to follow up with a header toward goal, Ademola Lookman failed to generate enough power behind his effort which was cleared away with ease.
It was all Rwanda during the first 10 minutes of the new half, however, the home team found it hard to penetrate the Super Eagles backline.
Nigeria played with added confidence leading up to the hour-mark, particularly after Victor Osimhen’s introduction onto park.
Then, in yet another golden chance for Nigeria, Lookman forced a swift reaction save out of Fiacre Ntwari midway through the second half after a neat half-volley inside the 18-yard-area.
The Super Eagles piled on the pressure during the closing stages of the tie but were often met with aggressive defending by the host nation.
Rwanda survived a late flurry of attacks at the end of the match as the game ultimately ended in a 0-0 score line.
FT in Kigali Rwanda 0-0 Nigeria
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 10, 2024
4 points from two and we go again next month. Thank you everyone for your support and see you soon. #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/iqG8YghpSx
Rwanda: Ntwari, Omborenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi, Bizimana, Muhire, Nshuti (Gitego 90’), Niyomugabo, Kwizera (Ruboneka 90’), G.Mugisha, B.Mugisha (Gueulette 62’)
Nigeria: Nwabali, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bonemaechi, Ndidi (Onyeka 70’), Dele-Bashiru (Onyedika 70’), Aina, Lookman (Awoniyi 93’), Boniface (Osimhen 46’), Chukwueze (Simon 46’)