Rwanda put up a superb performance on Tuesday, September 10, as they held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali in a 2025 AFCON Group D match day 2 qualifier. In a keenly contested game, which the official match statistics saw Rwanda having 49 percent of possession and Nigeria having 51, both teams treated fans to quality football. It was virtually a game during which Fiacre Ntwari stood out to save Rwanda from the ferocious Nigerian attack though, collectively, every member of the Amavubi side played well. Times Sport brings to you our official player ratings from the game from the game. Fiacre Ntwari 9.5 The shot stopper was the main reason why Nigeria failed to find the back of the net. He pulled as many as nine super saves to keep Amavubi in the game. Ntwari commanded and organized his backline well and was arguably the man of the match. Ombrorenga Fitina 6.5 The right back got the basic things right, he did his job well by putting the brakes on Samuel Chukwueze. Occasionally, he overlapped and sent in decent crosses into the Nigerian penalty box. Claude Niyomugabo 9 One could not determine if the APR captain plays in the Rwanda Premier League; he was one of the stars in the Amavubi set up. Niyomugabo made a no goal area for the rampaging Ola Aina. He was also able to hold Ademola Lookman who felt uncomfortable and had to drift to a central attacking role Niyomugabo was very confident on the ball and had Aina pulling his shirt which got the Nottingham Forest defender a yellow card in the 45+2 minute. Thierry Manzi 8 A solid display from the Al Ahli Tripoli centre back. His partnership with Ange Mutsinzi was top notch as they were able to keep the Nigerian attack at bay. Manzi and Mutsinzi man marked Osimhen when he came on in the second half and they left no spaces for him to explore. Ange Mutsinzi 8 Whether in the air or on the ground, the 1.93m centre back was solid. He and Manzi complemented the effort of each other. Mutsinzi was very calm on the ball as he used his physical advantage and experience to great effect. Bonheur Mugisha 8 The defensive midfielder stood in front of the back four and did all the dirty job. He won balls and spread the game to the wings with his incisive passes. He was unlucky not to have scored the winner for Amavubi as his late strike from 25 yards was punched to safety by Super Eagles’ keeper Stanley Nwabali. ALSO READ: AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Improved Rwanda hold Super Eagles in Kigali Djihad Bizimana 9.4 What a game by the Amavubi skipper! He was all over the pitch as he pocketed Wilfred Ndidi and Dele-Bashiru. He won most of the 50-50 balls and came back as far as his own penalty box to defend when Amavubi were pinned down. Jojea Kwizera 7 Kwizera showed glimpses of brilliance on the left wing as he was able to take Ola Aina on a couple of times. He fired in one of Amavubi's three shots in the second half which missed target. Kevin Muhire 9 The Rayon Sports skipper posed a major threat to the Nigerian defence throughout the game. He held on to the ball and was able to distribute perfectly. Muhire was workaholic as he fought for every 50-50 ball. Muhire was no match for the Super Eagles midfielders. Gilbert Mugisha 6 Aside the second minute where he powered a shot over the cross bar after an impressive leg over, Mugisha looked so exhausted though he did well with his incisive runs. He was substituted in the 62nd minute for Samuel Gueulette. Innocent Nshuti 6 The Amavubi striker found Troost Ekong and Calvin Bassey as tough customers due to their size and physique. He, however, showed brilliancy with a fine effort in the second half. He twisted and turned before firing a short at the edge of the penalty box after seeing goalkeeper Nwabali off his line. Unfortunately, the strike flew over the bar. Nshuti was replaced by Arthur Gitego in the 90th minute. Substitutes Samuel Gueulette 5.5 He was okay as an improvised winger, he came in at a time pressure was on Amavubi and he contributed his quota. Arthur Gitego 5.5 He was introduced tactically in the final 10 minutes of the game to put pressure on Nigeria and prevent them from starting quick attacks as coach Frank Spittler stated. It worked to full perfection. Jean Bosco Ruboneka 5 He came in for Jojea Kwizera in the 90th minute to kill time as he barely had any influence. Nigeria Stanley Nwabali 5.5 With the exception of that superb long range strike from Bonheur Mugisha that he saved in the second half, Nwabali was virtually on holidays as he wasn't called to action much. Troost-Ekong 6.5 Was efficient at the back as he made some good interceptions and a host of timely tackles. Ola Aina 5 Had a nightmare dealing with Claude Niyomugabo. The Nottingham Forest defender was booked at the stroke of the first half over pulling Niyomugabo’s shirt. Semi Ajayi 6 Was not much efficient on the left side of the Nigerian defense but gradually warmed himself into the game. Bruno Onyeamaechi 7 Had a brilliant game, was good in going forward with his drives. He stayed just in front of the back four as the anchor man. Calvin Bassey 6.5 His partnership with Ekong was good. They gave Nshuti less chance to operate inside the box. Wilfred Ndidi 6 Wasn't bad on the day but he lost the midfield battle to Amavubi skipper Djihad Bizimana who looked superior on the afternoon. Dele-Bashiru 7 Had some good chances but failed to utilize them. He was given a tough time by Bonheur Mugisha. Ademola Lookman 9.4 The star performer in the Nigerian team. He was all over the place with his pace, skills and artistry. He was on fire although he failed to score. Amavubi were relieved when his first half header was chalked off after Manzi was fouled in the buildup. The hosts’ defense had no sleep until he was substituted in the 90th minute. Samuel Chukwueze 6.5 Was getting better as he started to initiate attacks from the flanks before he was substituted in the 46th minute for Moses Simon. Victor Boniface 6 Had some glorious chances but failed to convert them. He was taken out just after half time, paving way for Victor Osimhen. Subs Victor Osimhen 7 Was instrumental since he was introduced in the second half. Great movement with or without the ball. He, however, found Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi as well as goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari unbeatable. Moses Simon 6 Had a couple of good touches when he came on in the 70th minute but his influence in the game was minimal. Frank Onyeka 7 Came in for Wilfred Ndidi in the 70th minute. Was able to bring a bit of stability in the Super Eagles midfield. Raphael Onyedika 6 Took the position of Dele-Bashiru in the 70th minute but was as effective as him in the 20 minutes that he played. Taiwo Awoniyi N/A Replaced Ademola Lookman in the 90th minute and had no influence in the game.
