Key stats NGA v RWA: Osayi-Samuel not soft at all, Chukwueze most key passes, Yusuf top dribbler

Nigeria suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda's Wasps in their final group game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Monday evening. 

Having already secured their place in the 2025 tournament, Augustine Eguavoen made seven changes to the side, handing starts to Maduka Okoye, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Boniface and Moses Simon.

Samuel Chukwueze, with a brilliant solo goal, gave Nigeria the lead just before the hour mark, but Ange Mutsinzi levelled matters in the 72nd minute before Innocent Nshuti netted the game-winner three minutes later.

Allnigeriasoccer.com looks at the key statistics from the historic loss to Rwanda - the Super Eagles' first defeat in six outings against the Wasps.

Statistics have proven that LaLiga ambassador Mutiu Adepoju was wrong in his claim that Bright Osayi-Samuel is a soft player.

The Fenerbahçe fullback won a game-high ten duels, including nine ground duels, more than any other player on the field, and was not dribbled past. 

Despite spending only 45 minutes on the pitch, Samuel Chukwueze (3) and Alhassan Yusuf (3) led the stats for key passes and successful dribbles respectively.

William Troost-Ekong saw the ball more than any other player with 74 touches, followed by Bruno Onyemaechi (72) and Gabriel Osho (69). 

Among the starting players, the Reading-reared central defender and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru boasted the best passing accuracy at 97 percent. 

Six players managed one shot on target, namely Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho, Raphael Onyedika, Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti.

Troost-Ekong completed a team-high six defensive actions including three clearances, one tackle and two interceptions, one less than Rwanda's Djihad Bizimana (7). The Super Eagles captain won a game-high four aerial duels. 

When it came to losing possession, Moses Simon lost the ball the most (16), tied with Fitina Ombolenga.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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