Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER - The stage is set in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as Group A winners Nigeria and their final-day opponents, Rwanda, prepare to lock horns in the concluding match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Both teams landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport on Friday, ahead of Monday’s decisive encounter at the iconic Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Rwanda’s slim qualification hopes
Rwanda’s Amavubi arrive in Uyo with faint hopes of securing a ticket to Morocco 2025. Their 1-0 home loss to Libya’s Mediterranean Knights on Thursday dealt a significant blow to their campaign. For Rwanda to qualify, they must defeat Nigeria while hoping Libya triumphs over the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in North Africa.
Despite the odds stacked against them, Rwanda’s head coach has emphasized the team’s determination to give their all. The squad flew from Kigali to Lagos via a Rwandair flight before connecting to Uyo on an Ibom Air flight, touching down at 5:00 PM.
Super Eagles’ relaxed approach
The Super Eagles, already confirmed as group winners, have little at stake in the match beyond national pride. Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, Nigeria’s delegation arrived in Uyo at 3:50 PM aboard a chartered ValueJet flight.
The team is expected to field a blend of regular starters and fringe players, allowing some key figures to rest ahead of the main tournament. Monday’s match promises a celebratory atmosphere as Nigerian fans gather to cheer their team, which has already secured its place in Morocco.
Match officials and logistics
The match will be officiated by Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz, who will be joined by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi (assistant referee 1), Abdessamad Abertoune (assistant referee 2), and Kech Chaf Mustapha (fourth official). The officiating team is set to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday, alongside Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana (match commissioner) and Ali Mohamed Ahmed from Somalia (referee assessor).
The first leg in Kigali ended in a goalless draw, marred by controversy over Ademola Lookman’s disallowed goal. Fans will be watching closely to see if Monday’s clash brings a fairer contest under Guezzaz’s watchful eyes.
NFF condoles with Stanley Nwabali
In a bittersweet moment for the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended its condolences to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who lost his father on Friday morning.
The South Africa-based shot-stopper shared the tragic news via Instagram, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and teammates. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed the federation’s sorrow, stating:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stanley Nwabali’s father. The death of a parent is always a profound loss. We stand with Stanley during this difficult time and pray that he finds comfort in the legacy of his father.”
Nwabali had featured prominently in Thursday’s match that sealed Nigeria’s qualification, making the news even more poignant. The NFF has assured him of their support as he navigates this challenging period.
The final whistle of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers will sound at 5:00 PM on Monday when the Super Eagles and the Amavubi face off. With contrasting stakes for both teams, fans can expect an intriguing mix of tactical play and emotional moments under the floodlights of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
