Mar 22

Mar 22 “Super Eagles Were Too Strong,” Rwanda’s Mutsinzi Admits After Historic Defeat

In what turned out to be a night of heartbreak for Rwandan football fans, the Amavubi (The Wasps) tasted their first-ever home defeat to the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday. The match ended 2-0 in favor of the Nigerian side, further cementing their dominance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Rwanda’s defender, Ange Mutsinzi, speaking to the press after the encounter, admitted that the Super Eagles were the better team on the night. According to him, the visitors came in hungrier and more determined to secure the victory.

“They Came Strong And Wanted To Win” – Mutsinzi

“They (Nigeria) came strong, and they wanted to win. They deserve it, but they have a good team and good strikers,” Mutsinzi stated. “We have quality also, but we won the last game, and they won this game; who knows the next game.”

His words reflected not only a sense of respect for the Super Eagles’ performance but also a hope for redemption in their upcoming fixtures.

Rwanda’s Struggles And The Road Ahead

The loss has dropped Rwanda to third position in Group C, leaving them in a tricky position as they prepare to host the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Tuesday. For a team once full of optimism, this result has thrown a wrench in their ambitions.

Opinion: Can Rwanda Bounce Back?

It’s one thing to admit defeat, but the big question is: Can Rwanda make the necessary adjustments to turn things around against Lesotho? Ange Mutsinzi’s remarks suggest a team still confident in their quality, but confidence alone won’t do the trick. They need to refine their tactics, bolster their defense, and most importantly, regain their mental toughness.

The Super Eagles' performance was nothing short of clinical, with their hunger for victory evident from the start. This is a crucial lesson for Rwanda—against top-tier teams, you have to play like your life depends on it.