Rwanda’s national football team, fondly known as the Amavubi, arrived in Uyo today, November 15, as they prepare for a critical qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

This 2025 AFCON qualifier is particularly significant for the East African side, who are vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Previously, the Amavubi faced a setback in their last matchup, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Kigali on Thursday.

This loss has heightened the stakes for Rwanda, as they will be competing against the formidable Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, scheduled at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 18.

To secure their place in the AFCON 2025 finals, the Amavubi must not only defeat Nigeria but also rely on the Benin Republic to lose their match against Libya. This scenario creates a tense atmosphere as the Amavubi fight against the odds to progress in the qualifiers.

On the other hand, the Super Eagles have already qualified for the Morocco 2025 finals and are sitting comfortably in first place in Group D.

Under the management of Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigerian team demonstrated resilience in their last outing, managing to hold the Benin Republic to a 1-1 draw on Thursday evening.

In the match against Benin Republic, the Cheetahs struck first as captain Steve Mounie’s side took the lead in the 16th minute with a goal from centre-back Mohammed Tijani.

Despite creating numerous opportunities to extend their lead, the Benin side struggled with poor finishing, which would ultimately cost them. The Super Eagles equalized just eight minutes before the full-time whistle, thanks to a goal by star striker Victor Osimhen.

Mounie reflected on the disappointing result, stating, “It is not a bad result in itself. Now we will have to go and play this final in Libya. It is certain that at 1-0, we would have hoped to win this match. We had very clear chances to kill the match.”

He emphasized the challenge of competing against a strong opponent like Nigeria, saying, “When you play against Nigeria and you do not kill the match, that is how it is.”