The Super Eagles has enhanced Nigeria’s chances in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Although the Super Eagles did not deliver their most impressive performance, they deserved the win and currently sit third in the standings, six points behind leaders South Africa and just one point behind second-placed Benin.
On the other hand, Rwanda faced their third defeat of the campaign, dropping them to fourth place, two points behind the Nigeria.
The first half proved challenging for Nigeria, as they struggled to penetrate a well-organized Rwandan defense.
The Super Eagles believed they had taken the lead in the eighth minute when Victor Osimhen scored from an Ademola Lookman cross-shot, but the goal was disallowed for a controversial offside call.
Osimhen later suffered an injury after the 30-minute mark, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial match against South Africa next week. He was substituted by Cyriel Dessers in the 35th minute.
Shortly after, Alex Iwobi forced Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari into his only significant save of the first half, as he tipped Iwobi’s long-range shot over the bar.
Read also:
- Oborevwori urges NSC to curb age cheating ss 9th NYG ends in Asaba
- Brighton assign squad number to Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie
- Director of Sports showers encomium on Team Bayelsa
Nigeria made an attacking substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Toluwalase Arokodare for midfielder Frank Onyeka.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward added the physical presence that Nigeria had been missing and scored the opening goal in the 51st minute, converting a mishit shot from Ola Aina almost on the goal line.
Just over 10 minutes later, Ntwari made an impressive double save to deny both Moses Simon and Lookman, keeping Rwanda in the game.
In the final 20 minutes, Rwanda began to pose a few threats to Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but he managed to handle everything with relative ease, securing the victory for the hosts.
Both teams will return to Group C action on Tuesday, September 9, with Nigeria facing South Africa in Bloemfontein and Rwanda taking on Zimbabwe in Johannesburg.
