For the past one week, Rwandan football has been at the heart of significant developments that have captivated local and international audiences yet also brimming with drama. From getting a valuable point against a star-studded Nigeria to the retirement of a national icon very few days his contractual disputes with his club, Rwanda's football scene has been anything but dull. On Tuesday, September 10, Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, secured a noteworthy 0-0 draw against Nigerian giants in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifying match. The highly anticipated encounter, held at Amahoro Stadium, drew thousands of local supporters, including a notable guest: President Paul Kagame. This was Kagame's first appearance at a local football match in eight years, a return that underscored the government's commitment to revitalizing Rwandan football. Kagame’s presence was a significant boost for the team, which now has 2 points from two matches in their AFCON qualifying campaign. Rwanda also drew 1-1 with Libya in the first qualifier held in Tripoli on September 4. The draw against Nigeria was particularly sweet given the high-profile nature of the opponent. Rwanda will now travel to Abidjan to face Benin in October, hoping to build on this positive result. Kagame’s return to the football stands was laden with symbolism. He had refrained from attending local matches since 2016, a period during which he had expressed deep concerns over corruption and alleged witchcraft practices that he believed hindered the sport’s development. His absence was a clear message about the need for reform in Rwandan football, issues he had previously criticized in 2023 for undermining the sport's integrity. In August 2023, Kagame had vocally condemned the misuse of funds on supernatural practices rather than investing in the proper development of teams. He urged Rwanda football administrators/officials to tackle issues such as (alleged) bribery, unprofessionalism, and referee manipulation. The draw against the Super Eagles might be seen as a step towards restoring faith in Rwandan football, as Kagame's engagement indicates a renewed focus on the sport. How it needs it! Amidst this backdrop, Rwanda’s football community was also marked by a pitiful farewell to one of its most celebrated figures. Haruna Niyonzima, the former Amavubi captain, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 34. Niyonzima’s retirement brings to a close a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades, during which he earned over 100 caps for Rwanda, making him the most-capped player in the country's history. Niyonzima’s international journey began in 2006, and he has since accumulated 110 caps, scoring six goals along the way. His achievements include being part of the FIFA’s Century Club, which honors players with 100 or more senior international appearances. The Rubavu-born midfielder’s illustrious career also includes stints with several clubs, notably boyhood side Etincelles, Rayon Sports, APR FC, and AS Kigali in Rwanda, as well as Young Africans and SC Simba in Tanzania and Al Ta'awon in Libya. The timing of Niyonzima’s retirement was coupled with a significant development concerning his club career. Shortly after his return to Rayon Sports in July, following his departure from Al Ta'awon, Niyonzima is reported to have terminated his contract with the club due to unmet financial obligations. ALSO READ: Niyonzima's contract termination: A dent on Rayon Sports’ image Rayon Sports had promised payments that were not delivered, prompting the midfielder to suspend his participation in team activities until the issues were resolved. It didn't happen. Until last Friday (September 6), when both parties agreed to part ways, and Niyonzima is now expected to return to AS Kigali, a club where he had a successful spell when he left Tanzanian Premier League. This latest chapter in the veteran’s career underscores ongoing financial challenges within Rwandan football and highlights the difficulties faced by players in managing their professional commitments amidst such issues. This week, I have done something that I don't normally do, piling together different ideas into one article, for, Rwanda’s football scene, this week has been a fabric of exciting episodes. The draw against Nigeria looks a promising moment for the national team, President Kagame’s return to local matches signals a renewed focus on addressing key issues, and Niyonzima’s retirement and contract dispute with Rayon Sports reflect the broader challenges facing Rwandan football. And, as the team prepares for their next AFCON qualifier and fans bid farewell to a national legend, the sport in Rwanda continues to evolve, navigating both its victories and controversies, and while we're still at that, the demons that make Rayon Sports just keep giving.
