Kigali, Rwanda – Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi in their FIFA World Cup qualifying match on March 21, 2025, with striker Victor Osimhen scoring both goals. Here are the player ratings for both teams:
Nigeria:
- Stanley Nwabali (Goalkeeper) – 8/10: Had a quiet game but made a crucial save in the first half. Handled crosses well and maintained composure to secure a clean sheet.
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Right-Back) – 6/10: Solid defensively but less involved in attacking plays. Made a few forward runs in the second half before being substituted due to injury.
- Ola Aina (Left-Back) – 6/10: Adapted well despite playing out of position. Made important tackles and ventured forward occasionally. Faded in the second half and was substituted.
- Calvin Bassey (Center-Back) – 8/10: Provided a rock-solid defensive performance, reading the game well and ensuring the Rwandan attack posed little threat.
- William Troost-Ekong (Center-Back) – 8/10: Commanding at the back and contributed offensively with two good chances from set-pieces. His experience helped maintain defensive stability.
- Wilfred Ndidi (Midfielder) – 7/10: Dominant in midfield, effectively shielding the defense and breaking up Rwandan attacks. Maintained control throughout the match.
- Alex Iwobi (Midfielder) – 7/10: Kept play simple in the first half, becoming more involved in the second with high pressing and effective link-up play.
- Moses Simon (Winger) – 6/10: Forced a good save from the Rwandan goalkeeper in the first half but was less influential as the game progressed.
- Samuel Chukwueze (Winger) – 6/10: Struggled to impact the game but provided the assist for Osimhen’s second goal with a well-placed header.
- Victor Osimhen (Forward) – 9/10: The standout player, scoring both goals and consistently threatening the Rwandan defense with his movement, strength, and clinical finishing.
- Ademola Lookman (Forward) – 8/10: A lively presence throughout, assisting Osimhen’s first goal and being central to most of Nigeria’s attacking moves.
Man of the Match: Victor Osimhen’s performance was exceptional, earning him our Man of the Match accolade.
Rwanda:
- Fiacre Ntwari (Goalkeeper) – 6/10: Couldn’t prevent the goals but made some routine saves.
- Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Right-Back) – 5/10: Struggled against Nigeria’s wingers, offering limited support in attack.
- Abdusalam Ibrahim (Left-Back) – 5/10: Faced challenges dealing with Nigeria’s attacking threats, particularly in the first half.
- Eric Nshimiyimana (Center-Back) – 6/10: Made several clearances but was often caught out by Nigeria’s pace.
- Ismaila Diarra (Center-Back) – 6/10: Tried to marshal the defense but was frequently tested by Nigeria’s forwards.
- Gilbert Mugisha (Midfielder) – 5/10: Struggled to impose himself in midfield, with limited impact on the game.
- Innocent Nshuti (Midfielder) – 5/10: Had difficulty linking play and was overshadowed by Nigeria’s midfield dominance.
- Jean-Claude Iranzi (Winger) – 5/10: Failed to create significant chances and was well-contained by Nigeria’s defense.
- Salomon Nirisarike (Winger) – 5/10: Lacked impact, with Nigeria’s defense limiting his influence.
- Abdul Rwatubyaye (Forward) – 5/10: Had few opportunities and was isolated for much of the match.
- Bertrand Iradukunda (Forward) – 5/10: Struggled to find space and was unable to test Nigeria’s goalkeeper.
Conclusion:
Nigeria’s comprehensive 2-0 victory over Rwanda was marked by a stellar performance from Victor Osimhen, who scored both goals and was a constant threat. The Super Eagles’ tactical approach, combined with individual performances, secured a crucial win in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
