Rwanda head coach Torsten Spittler says the Super Eagles have some of the best strikers in the world and is pleased with his team’s ability to hold their own against the three-time African champions in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D fixture at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday, Sports Extra reports.
Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in their first game and went into the match against Rwanda with high hopes, but they were unable to break the stubborn defence of their hosts in the barren stalemate.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari starred for the Amavubi as they frustrated Nigeria before a vibrant Kigali crowd that included President Paul Kagame.
Ntwari repeatedly defied the Eagles, especially Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, denying them several goal-scoring chances.
Despite being ranked 92 below Nigeria in the FIFA world rankings, Rwanda stood firm to claim a valuable point for their commitment.
Lookman, the only African player among the 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or men’s award, thought he had given Nigeria the lead in the 22nd minute.
Unfortunately, his goal was ruled out after a foul by Victor Boniface in the buildup.
The Super Eagles dominated possession and created 20 chances, with nine of them on target, but couldn’t hit the back of the net.
In their bid to break Rwanda’s determined defence, Eguavoen introduced Osimhen and Moses Simon early in the second half to boost the attack but still found it impossible to beat the impressive Ntwari.
Reacting to the draw, Rwanda’s German tactician, while expressing his satisfaction with his team’s performance, admitted that the Eagles boast world-class strikers.
“I’m very happy not only because of the result but also the way we played. It’s always important that you make a good match, and then I said normally the results will come,” Spittler told reporters.
“Everybody could see this Nigerian team, especially the forward line, is world-class, and we also had a few chances where you could see the difference between our strikers and their strikers.”
Nigeria currently sit at the top of their group with four points after two matches and are closely followed by Benin Republic, which defeated Libya. Rwanda occupy the third spot with two points.
Rwanda’s Amavubi now have two points from their opening two games, while Nigeria lead Group D with four points.
