RWANDA: Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, reigniting their chances of securing a spot in the global tournament.
A first-half brace from Victor Osimhen sealed the win, giving Nigeria its first victory in the qualifiers. The Galatasaray star opened the scoring in the 11th minute, expertly connecting with an in-swinging free-kick from African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
His second goal came in stoppage time of the first half, following a solo run from midfield, where he outpaced defenders and chipped the ball over the Rwandan goalkeeper.
The victory propelled Nigeria from 5th to 4th place in Group C, now sitting on 6 points—just one point behind Rwanda (7 points), two points behind second-placed Benin Republic, and four points adrift of leaders South Africa (10 points).
Despite the win, the Super Eagles still face a tough road to automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. However, the performance against Rwanda was an encouraging start for newly appointed head coach, Eric Chelle.
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Chelle fielded a strong lineup featuring Osimhen and Lookman in attack, supported by Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon. Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi controlled the midfield, while Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong anchored the defense. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was between the posts, with Bright Osayi-Samuel completing the starting eleven.
Nigeria will now shift focus to their next match against Zimbabwe, set to take place on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Another three points could see the Super Eagles climb further up the standings as they push for World Cup qualification.
