Nigerian football team defeated 1-0 by Rwanda in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Qualifier

Nigeria’s home advantage is not enough

Rwanda held on to defeat Nigeria 1-0 on Tuesday thanks to a penalty in the second half converted by Olivier Niyonzima in the 23rd minute of the second half. The Nigerian team who played in the absence of their substantive coach Augustine Eguavoen were unable to secure a win for their teeming fans who had come out in their numbers to support them.

Eguavoen had been replaced by former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke who will now be in charge for the rest of the qualifiers. Nigeria was hoping for a win as it would have boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The team is now third in Group A with three points from two games, while Rwanda moved to the top of the standings with four points.

Rwanda's heroic win

Rwanda’s victory was their first-ever competitive win over Nigeria. The match was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Rwanda took the lead in the 23rd minute of the second half when Olivier Niyonzima converted a penalty. A handball by Zaidu Sanusi gifted Rwanda the penalty. Nigeria pushed for an equalizer but could not find a way past Rwanda’s defense. Rwanda held on for a famous victory that has boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

What awaits Nigeria?

Nigeria will now have to win their remaining games in the qualifiers if they want to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The team’s next game is against Guinea-Bissau on March 27, 2023.

Conclusion

Rwanda's victory over Nigeria is a major upset. Nigeria is one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they were expected to win this match. However, Rwanda played very well, and they deserved the victory. This result has opened up the race for qualification in Group A, and it will be interesting to see who qualifies for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.