Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday evening, despite losing striker Victor Osimhen to injury in the first half.
The decisive moment came in the 51st minute when substitute Tolu Arokodare volleyed in from close range after Ola Aina’s effort had been parried by Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Nigeria controlled possession throughout the match but found Rwanda’s compact defense difficult to break down. An earlier Osimhen goal was disallowed for offside in the eighth minute.
Osimhen left the pitch injured in the 34th minute following an ankle knock. Coach Eric Chelle later confirmed the player had felt pain in his left ankle.
Arokodare’s introduction after halftime altered the pace of Nigeria’s attack. His goal ensured Nigeria claimed three points that lifted them to third in Group C.
ALSO READ:
- Full List: Super Eagles players missing Russia friendly and why
- 2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles soar following entertaining win over Benin Republic
- 2023 AFCON qualifier: Super Eagles record narrow win in Guinea Bissau
- Public reacts as Nigeria fulfils housing promise to 1994 Super Eagle team after 31-year wait
Alex Iwobi was the Man of the Match for his composure in midfield, while Ntwari’s saves for Rwanda kept the scoreline close until the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Rwanda almost equalised late when Abeddy Biramahire missed from close range in the 86th minute. Calvin Bassey also blocked a final header in stoppage time.
However, critics have lamented the inability of Chelle’s team to score goals despite the abundance of attacking talents in the Nigerian set-up. This is evident in most of the World Cup qualifying games the West Africans have played so far.
That lack of cutting edge has seen the Super Eagles win only their second game in seven qualifying outings for the 2026 World Cup. Many have also criticised the coach’s formation adoption of the 4-4-2.
The formation has curtailed the use of enough widemen – something characteristic Of the Nigerian team over the years. This has also caused important players like Ademola Lookman, to play out of position.
With South Africa seated top of the group and primed to qualify directly to the World Cup, Nigeria’s best shot right now is to aim for the second spot and qualify for the playoffs. To achieve that, Nigeria must win all three games left in the qualifying series. As it stands, the Super Eagles walk tightrope in hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup tournament.
The result in Uyo on Saturday left Nigeria with six points, trailing group leaders South Africa by six, ahead of their critical clash on September 9. Rwanda dropped to fourth place with seven points.
Concerns remain over Osimhen’s availability for the South Africa match. His absence could affect Nigeria’s frontline, though Arokodare’s goal made fans believe in the squad’s depth.
