The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Rwanda’s Amavubi have touched down in Uyo ahead of their final Group A clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The much-anticipated Matchday 6 encounter is set to take place on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Having already secured qualification as group winners, the Super Eagles are under no pressure to deliver a result.
Following their 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, the team is expected to use the match as an opportunity to fine-tune their squad ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Nigerian contingent, led by coach Augustine Eguavoen, arrived at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport on Friday afternoon aboard a chartered ValueJet flight from Abidjan.
With nothing left to prove in this campaign, the Eagles are expected to play a more relaxed game, much to the delight of fans expected to pack the stadium for the celebratory atmosphere.
Rwanda’s Amavubi, on the other hand, approach the game with their AFCON qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
After a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Libya on Thursday, they must beat Nigeria in Uyo and hope that Libya can overcome Benin Republic in North Africa to secure a ticket to Morocco 2025.
Rwanda’s delegation arrived in Uyo on Friday evening after flying from Kigali to Lagos aboard Rwandair and then connecting to Uyo via Ibom Air.
Despite the slim chances, coach Carlos Alós Ferrer’s side is expected to give their all in what is a make-or-break encounter for the East African nation.
The game will be officiated by Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz, who will be assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune, and Kech Chaf Mustapha.
The officiating team is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday, alongside match commissioner Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana and referee assessor Ali Mohamed Ahmed from Somalia.
The first-leg encounter between the two sides in Kigali ended in a goalless draw, though controversy surrounded the disallowed first-half header by Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
Guezzaz’s appointment has drawn attention, as another Moroccan officiated the previous fixture.
The match kicks off at 5:00 PM on Monday, with fans eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest.
For Nigeria, it is a chance to celebrate their qualification and delight supporters with a strong performance.
For Rwanda, it represents a final shot at redemption in a high-stakes clash that could define their campaign.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is set to host what promises to be a fascinating finale to the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.