Hosts Rwanda and the Super Eagles are tied at 0-0 inside the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Rwanda attacked from the start, but it was the Super Eagles who came close to scoring as early as the third minute, when Bruno Onyemaechi failed to direct his shot at goal after he was set up from the right.
A minute later, Wilfred Ndidi saw his shot well covered by Rwanda goalkeeper.
In the 15th minute, Ademola Lookman was blocked by goalkeeper after he raced through the heart of defence.
Rwanda also attacked brightly, but it was again Lookman whose header on 22 minutes was ruled out by the referee.
Nigeria continued to create more chances.
Victor Boniface shot was blocked by the goalkeeper in the 24th minute and it was the Bayer Leverkusen forward, who was denied the opening goal when his shot crashed against the crossbar to the relief of the home team.
Nigeria enjoyed the ascendency and created the better chances, but the home team did not show fear as they also launched several forays in search of a goal.
The Amavubi enjoyed more of the ball slightly, while the Super Eagles had more shots on target – 3 vs 1.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Rwanda (3-4-3)
Nwabali – Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, William Ekong (Captain) – Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi,Bruno Onyemaechi, Dele-Bashiru- Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface
