AFCON 2025: Super Eagles apologize to Nigerians for defeat to Rwanda

Nigeria suffered a devastating blow on the final day of qualifying for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals when they lost 1-2 to the Amavubi of Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

For much of the game, the Eagles, who were predicted to go for victory to end on a high note were unable to pin their opponents back.

The first half ended without any goals until Samuel Chukwueze was located by Frank Onyeka.

Chukwueze then waltzed past three defenders and smashed the ball past the outstanding goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari to give Nigeria the lead.

As Nigeria's defenders watched the ball from a free-kick on the right, substitute Marie Gueulette headed past Maduka Okoye to tie the score for Rwanda.

They returned to attack the Nigerian defense three minutes after the equalizer, and they were successful when they managed to get the ball past Okoye for their second and final goal.

Nigerians mostly blamed goalkeeper Maduka Okoye on social media for the defeat.

Following the result, the Super Eagles posted a series of messages on social media explaining their performances.

The messages said, "We are disappointed to have ended our great run in the Afcon 2025 qualifiers with a home loss.

"We will bounce back. Thank you for all your support through the qualifiers and see you in Morocco.

"Our pipu we no say Una dey vex, we understand. Make Una no look us less less, we no go fall Una hand.

"We go work hard to continue where we for stop for the last Afcon. Abeg make Una no taya to support us o.

"We thank Una, Una too much. When I say, Super, You say Eagles. #soarsupereagles."

Despite the triumph, Amavubi learned that they did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations as Benin Republic and Libya drew 0-0 in North Africa.