The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially scheduled Nigeria’s final qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Rwanda for November 18, 2025. This crucial clash will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, marking Matchday 6 of the qualifiers. The outcome of this match will determine the final standings in Group D, as teams vie for a place in the prestigious AFCON tournament, the 35th edition of which is set to take place in Morocco in December 2025 and January 2026. The match’s scheduling reflects the ongoing significance of this tournament in African football, spotlighting Nigeria’s quest for qualification.
CAF has appointed a team of Moroccan officials to oversee the match against Rwanda, demonstrating the federation’s commitment to maintaining high standards for officiating. Samir Guezzaz will act as the center referee, managing the flow and integrity of the game. His officiating team includes Zakaria Brinsi as assistant referee 1, Abdessamad Abertoune as assistant referee 2, and Kech Chaf Mustapha as the fourth official. Furthermore, Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo has been designated as the match commissioner, while Somalia’s Ali Mohamed Ahmed will serve as the referee assessor. This thorough selection of officials aims to ensure a fair and competent officiating process for this critical encounter.
Prior to the match against Rwanda, Nigeria will compete in Matchday 5 of the qualifiers against Benin Republic on November 14, 2025. This match is scheduled to take place at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, starting at 8 p.m. Nigeria time. Approximately three hours earlier, the game will kick off under the oversight of officials from Senegal. Issa Sy will serve as the match referee, supported by assistant referees Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura, along with fourth official El Hadji Amadou Sy. Additionally, Rene Williams Sere from Côte d’Ivoire will take on the role of commissioner, and Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be responsible for assessing the officiating performance during this encounter.
As Nigeria navigates these critical matches in the AFCON qualifying campaign, the upcoming games represent more than just a chance to secure a spot in the tournament. They are an opportunity for the Super Eagles to reaffirm their dominance in African football. The national team, rich with talent and experience, seeks to demonstrate its prowess on the continental stage. Fans and analysts alike are looking forward to seeing how the team will perform, especially against their neighboring rivals in Benin and the eventual showdown with Rwanda, both pivotal for Nigeria’s supportive community and football legacy.
The importance of these matches cannot be understated, as they represent a chance for Nigeria to solidify its position in African football. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is highly anticipated, given its historical significance and the quality of teams expected to participate. The last-minute preparations and strategies put in place for these vital qualifying matches will be crucial. Expectations from fans, players, and coaching staff place added pressure on the Super Eagles to exceed previous performances and secure their place in Morocco for the AFCON finals.
As interest rises around the AFCON qualifiers, it is essential to recognize the broader implications these matches hold for the participating nations. The tournaments foster a spirit of competition, promote national pride, and offer players a platform to showcase their talents. For Nigeria, the upcoming matches against both Benin Republic and Rwanda are stepping stones to achieving success in the wider context of African football. They must rise to the occasion, galvanizing their abilities to emerge victorious, not just for themselves but for the hopes of millions of supporters across the nation, who yearn for their team to reclaim its status in African football.
