Rwanda striker Nshuti targets Eagles’ scalp

Rwandan striker Innocent Nshuti looks to continue his goal-scoring form against Nigeria when the Amuvabi host the Super Eagles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D matchday 2 fixture on Tuesday (today) at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Fresh from netting the equaliser in Rwanda’s 1-1 draw against Libya last Wednesday, Nshuti is brimming with confidence as he prepares to face the Super Eagles, who cruised to a 3-0 victory against Benin Republic in their opening match at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

“As a striker, I should score always, but we work as a team, and if one scores, it is a team goal. When strikers score goals, their confidence goes up, and I am happy to score that goal, and I believe I can do more going forward,” Nshuti told journalists ahead of the crucial encounter.

The One Knoxville forward, who has netted five times in 19 appearances for his country since his debut in 2017, described Rwanda’s performance against Libya as one of their best but warned that there is more work to be done to secure AFCON qualification.

“We have to keep doing the same. We did a brilliant job, a big game, and everyone is happy,” he said.

“We cannot keep going up and then down. We have to carry on and keep the momentum. We have many games coming, and if we want to stay positive, we need to win more against our opponents.”

Rwanda, under the guidance of German coach Torsten Spittler, have been in impressive form lately, losing just once in their last seven matches.

However, they face a tough test against a Nigerian side buoyed by their recent resounding victory and boasting the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who both found the net against the Beninoise Cheetahs.

The Super Eagles, led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, will be looking to maintain their pole position in the group.

Historically, Nigeria have the upper hand heading into this fixture, with two wins and three draws in the previous five meetings between both countries.