The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The result keeps Nigeria’s hopes of reaching next year’s tournament very much alive, setting up a high-stakes encounter with group leaders South Africa.
Nigeria started strongly, pressing Rwanda’s defense from the first whistle. Victor Osimhen looked to get the opener early, converting a cross from Ademola Lookman, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Despite this setback, Lookman continued to trouble the Rwandan backline, although the Super Eagles struggled to find a clear path to goal.
Around the 30th minute, Osimhen, who had scored Nigeria’s last three goals in the qualifiers, sustained a knock after a challenge from a Rwandan defender. The Galatasaray forward tried to continue but had to be substituted in the 33rd minute, with Cyriel Dessers coming on.
Nigeria maintained pressure, with Alex Iwobi forcing Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari into a spectacular save. Rwanda defended resiliently, denying the home side a first-half goal.
At halftime, coach Eric Chelle made a tactical change, replacing defensive midfielder Frank Onyeka with striker Tolu Arokodare. The move paid off almost immediately, as Arokodare finished a well-worked team move to give Nigeria the lead just five minutes into the second half.
The goal boosted Nigeria’s momentum, prompting waves of attacks as they hunted for a second. Rwanda’s goalkeeper was up to the task, producing brilliant saves to deny Moses Simon, Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi from extending the advantage.
Rwanda pushed forward in search of an equalizer but could not break through Nigeria’s disciplined defense. The Super Eagles held firm to secure a crucial 1-0 victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.
With this win, Nigeria climbs to third place in Group C with 10 points, just one behind second-placed Benin and six behind leaders South Africa. The stage is now set for a critical showdown against South Africa in their next qualifying match.
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