Nigeria and Rwanda have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for Monday’s 2025 AFCON Group D qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Super Eagles, who secured the top spot in Group D with a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday, landed at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport at 3:50 p.m. on Friday aboard a ValueJet chartered flight. The Amavubi arrived at 5 p.m. on an Ibom Air flight from Lagos after flying from Kigali with Rwandair.
Rwanda still has a slim chance of qualifying despite losing 1-0 at home to Libya on Thursday. They must beat Nigeria and hope Libya defeats Benin Republic in Tripoli to qualify for Morocco 2025.
Nigeria, already through to the tournament after Libya’s win over Rwanda, has 11 points from five games. Benin Republic (seven points), Rwanda (five points), and Libya (four points) are fighting for the second qualification spot.
The first match between Nigeria and Rwanda ended 0-0 in Kigali last September, though Ademola Lookman’s header was controversially disallowed by a Moroccan referee.
Monday’s game will be officiated by Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz, along with assistants Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune, and Kech Chaf Mustapha. Officials, including Ghanaian match commissioner Prosper Harrison Addo and Somalian referee assessor Ali Mohamed Ahmed, are expected in Uyo on Saturday ahead of the 5 p.m. kickoff.
