Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars held Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a goalless draw Tuesday in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Amahoro National Stadium, with President Paul Kagame in attendance.
Despite their star power, Nigeria’s national team could not break through Rwanda’s defense. Rwanda remains second in Group D with two points, ahead of Libya and Benin, while Nigeria leads the group with four points.
Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali delivered a standout performance, supported by a solid defense led by Thierry Manzi and Claude Niyomugabo. They successfully kept Nigerian stars such as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka from scoring.
Rwanda’s coach Torsten Frank Spittler orchestrated a resilient performance against the highly favored Nigerians, who were expected to secure an easy victory. Rwanda last qualified for the AFCON in 2004.
President Kagame, who has not attended local football games in recent years, was seen smiling alongside Sports Minister Richard Nyirishema at the newly refurbished stadium, which will serve as the national team’s home.
Rwanda previously drew 1-1 with Libya in Tripoli on matchday one, while Nigeria secured a commanding 3-0 win over Benin at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The Amavubi Stars, buoyed by their home crowd, are determined to defy expectations and improve under Spittler’s leadership after years of underperformance.
The draw against Nigeria has boosted the morale of Rwandan fans, who took to social media to praise the team’s fighting spirit under the German coach. Rwanda also leads Group C in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
