Rwanda major newspaper rates Lookman Super Eagles best player Vs Amavubi

Rwanda’s leading newspaper, New Times has rated Atalanta of Italy forward, Ademola Lookman as the best Super Eagles player in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations matchday two qualifying game Tuesday at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali.

The Rwandans held the Eagles to a goalless draw, but New Times says the Amavubi will never Lookman, the UEFA Cup hat-trick hero for his club last season.

Lookman was rated 9.4, the highest for a Nigerian player and the second highest after the Amavubi goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari who the New Times 9.5 for ‘being the main reason why Nigeria failed to find the back of the net. He pulled as many as nine super saves to keep Amavubi in the game.’

For Lookman, the newspaper wrote thus: ‘The star performer in the Nigerian team. He was all over the place with his pace, skills and artistry. He was on fire although he failed to score.

Amavubi were relieved when his first half header was chalked off after Manzi was fouled in the buildup. The hosts’ defense had no sleep until he was substituted in the 90th minute.’

Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyeamaechi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were the next highest rated Nigerians by the New Times. While Osimhen was rated 7 for his ‘great movement with or without the ball,’ Onyeamaechi, according to the newspaper ‘had a brilliant game, was good in going forward with his drives. He stayed just in front of the back four as the anchor man.

New Augsburg of Germany midfielder, Frank Onyeka was also rated 7 out of 10 after he was subbed on for Wilfred Ndidi who the newspaper said lost the midfield battle to Amavubi skipper Djihad Bizimana who looked superior on the afternoon.

‘Onyeka came in for Wilfred Ndidi in the 70th minute. Was able to bring a bit of stability in the Super Eagles midfield,’ wrote the newspaper.