With just six days before the crucial World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Rwanda, the Amavubi Football team of Rwanda has dismissed allegations of match-fixing in their previous encounter.
Rwanda’s Digital Communications Manager, Federation Rwandaise de Football Association (FERWAFA), Oliver Maurice in an exclusive chat with Persecondnews correspondent, described the claims as “baseless”.
He clarified that his team’s victory over Nigeria in their AFCON 2025 qualifier was a hard-earned win.
The allegations, which originated from a Libyan news outlet, Libya Akhbar, suggested that Nigeria deliberately lost the match to Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in November 2024.
Maurice was, however, quick to set the record straight, saying, “Rwanda is a team that can beat Nigeria at home – that’s football for you!”
The controversy surrounding the match-fixing allegations stems from Libya’s disappointment at being eliminated from the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Libya had a contentious encounter with Nigeria in Match-days 3 and 4, which included a 20-hour airport lockdown of the Super Eagles delegation.
As a result, Libya lost three points and three goals to Nigeria, ultimately crashing out of the qualifiers with just seven points.
Rwanda, on the other hand, finished with eight points, edging out Benin Republic on superior goals difference. Nigeria topped Group D with 11 points.
The full interview:
PSN: We need clarification over the allegations of match-fixing after the Amavubi 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Uyo.
Maurice: “I haven’t read or seen the allegations officially. I want to assure you that there was nothing of such. If there was any report of match-fixing, Libya wouldn’t be the first to hear. Nothing of such happened, or anything close to such allegations ever happened. A team like Rwanda can beat Nigeria at home sometimes, and to the other opponents in the group, such victory will definitely hurt.
Maybe the victory hurt so much they began to spread rumours and peddle gossip instead of promoting the spirit of sportsmanship that governs the beautiful game.”
PSN: Do you think the appointment of Adel Amrouche last month will affect the momentum already built by the former coach?
Maurice: “Yes, it will most definitely be the tactical aspect and also the approach to the match, but what I can tell you is that there will be a high percentage of players that will come back and a few home-based players.”
PSN: What are your thoughts on the upcoming encounter?
Maurice: “Firstly, the Super Eagles are no pushover. The Nigerian team can never be underestimated when it comes to African football. The advantage is for Rwanda because we are playing at home in front of our home fans.
I am not saying we will beat the Super Eagles; one thing I am sure of is that the best team will take the day. We will do our best to win the game. Both teams know themselves very well, and another twist will make the game more intense and tough.
I am sure the coach and his crew are monitoring the Super Eagles players. Victor Osimhen, Lookman, and Chukwueze have been fantastic for their various clubs, and I know Nigeria is also not sleeping. I am expecting a very good and tough game from both sides.”
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