Rwanda vs Nigeria Player Ratings; A goalless draw for Super Eagles in Rwanda

The Africa Cup of Nations 2023 runners-up, Nigeria shared spoils with Rwanda in an evenly contested 0-0 stalemate in the second match week proceedings of the Group D clash of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers at Amahoro National Stadium.

The Wasps were reluctant in defence, against the visitors which gave them a tough time in front home crowd. Rwandan shot-stopper Fiacre Ntwali delivered an exceptional performence to stop Nigeria’s well-capable attack from scoring to break the deadlock. Following the result, both sides are sitting in first (Nigeria) and second (Rwanda) place on the Group D points table with 4 and 2 points in their hands respectively.

Also to be noted, is that other group members Libiya and Benin will play against each other later today. Thus, their result will affect their standing upon the end of the September International break and two match weeks.

Rwanda National Football Team Player Ratings vs Nigeria 

Goalkeeper 

Fiacre Ntwali – 8.5/10: Clearly the star performer of the game, the Wasps keeper stood like a wall pulled off 9 key saves to keep a clean sheet and made several recoveries, along with confident feet in the box.

Defenders 

Fitina Omborenga – 7.5/10: An impressive outing from Omborenga as Right Back, was super busy on the right side with both defensive and attacking contributions with progressive ball carrying.

Thierry Manzi – 7 /10: A decent effort from the 28-year-old as Centre Back made 21 clearances denying any chance for Nigerians to pose any significant goal threat.

Ange Mutsinzi  – 7/10: He also played a pivotal role in keeping a clean sheet with his important tackles and blocks in the backline complementing his defensive pair Manzi.

Claude Niyomugabo – 7.5/10: The left Back put up a good shift on the left side, looked solid in defending and also moved further up when needed to start an attack.

Midfielders 

Jojea Kwizera – /10: The wide midfielder also caused problems for Nigeria with his movements down the flanks and passing range.

Djihad Bizimana – 7.5/10: Rwanada skipper was instrumental in the middle and was heavily involved in keeping the ball rotating the possession and giving serious competition to the Nigerian midfield set-up.

Bonheur Mugisha – 7/10: Another midfielder for the hosts showcased quality with his long ball deliveries, created two chances and registered three shots

Gilbert Mugisha – 7/10: The rating wouldn’t justify his role on the pitch, Mugisha’s constant movements in the advanced area on the left made things difficult for the Super Eagles.

Forwards

Kevin Muhire  – 7/10: He was tasked with the role of attacking midfielder and playmaker and evidently did well by creating three chances.

Innocent Nshuti  – 6/10: Expectations were high from Nshuti after scoring in the last outing, but, couldn’t provide his side goal and had two touches inside the box

Substitutes 

Samuel Gueulette – 6/10

Arthur Gitego – NA

Jean Bosco Ruboneka – NA

Manager

Torsten Spittler – 8/10: Rwanda’s head coach was excellent in utilizing his player’s strength against the visitors and his tactics to not give Nigeria much space with zonal marking proved vital.

Also Read: Who are the Afcon Top Scorers in 2024? List of top goalscorers at African Cup of Nations

Nigeria National Football Team Player Ratings vs Rwanda 

Goalkeeper 

Stanley Nwabali – 7/10: Nwabali had a good outing in goal, and made a couple of big saves to keep his clean sheet, even though he wasn’t tested much by the Rwandan attack

Defenders 

William Troost-Ekong – 6.5/10: The Nigerian captain was solid in defence and dealt calmly with the ball registering a few decent interceptions and blocks.

Semi Ajayi – 7/10: EFL Championship player was crucial with his defensive action in making tackles, ball recovering and clearances on the left side of defence.

Calvin Bassey – 6.5/10: The Fulham player played an important role in defence helping the three-man bring stability and flexibility in his game in the backline.

Midfielders 

Ola Aina – 7/10: Aina was excellent in going forward as well as tracking back to help in defence. Though picked up yellow for a reckless challenge

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – /10: He started in place of Alex Iwobi but failed to mark any significance in the midfield with his game time.

Wilfred Ndidi – 6/10: the Premier League midfielder couldn’t justify his reputation in terms of controlling the midfield, however, remained solid in defensive duels with the single-chance creation.

Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi – 6.5/10: He was among the few Nigerian players who were determined to win the match with his accurate passes and crosses.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman – 7/10: Made commendable efforts to break the defence of Rwanda and was lively on the field throughout the game and often dropped deep, but the defenders didn’t give him enough breathing space to cause major trouble.

Victor Boniface – 7/10: He replaced Victor Osimhen in the lineup, looked threatening with his dribbling and created a big chance with two shots in 46 minutes of game time. Osimhen came on to replace Boniface in the second half.

Samuel Chukwueze – 6.6 /10: Rwanda’s defence kept AC Milan winger at Bay, as he struggled to break into their backline and only managed to create a single chance eventually subbed off for the later half.

Substitutes 

Victor Osimhen – 6.5/10

Moses Simon – 6/10

Frank Onyeka – 6/10

Raphael Onyedika – 6/10

Taiwo Awoniyi – NA

Manager 

Augustine Eguavoen – 6/10

Some questionable changes in the team after resounding 3-0 over Benin have raised doubts over Nigeiran’s head coach’s game plan especially after failing to take any points home.

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