Key Points
- Victor Osimhen scored both goals in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Rwanda.
- The victory was Nigeria’s first in five World Cup qualifying matches.
- Nigeria will host Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday for their next Group C clash.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria breathed new life into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey with a commanding 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday.
The Group C encounter marked Nigeria’s first victory in the qualifying series after four winless games, lifting the team’s spirits and boosting their chances of securing a place at the next World Cup.
Victor Osimhen emerged as the hero of the day, scoring twice in the first half to silence the Rwandan crowd and put Nigeria back on track.
The win took the Super Eagles to six points from five matches and kept them within reach of group leaders South Africa, who defeated Lesotho 2-0.
Osimhen shines in first-half dominance
The match got off to a dramatic start when Osimhen suffered an early injury scare in the opening minute.
However, he recovered quickly and led the frontline with determination. In the 10th minute, he opened the scoring after Nigeria earned a free kick from a foul on Moses Simon.
Ademola Lookman floated the ball in, and Osimhen finished clinically for his 24th goal in 40 appearances.
Nigeria maintained intense pressure after the goal. Osimhen nearly forced an own goal in the 12th minute with a dangerous cross, while defender William Troost-Ekong missed two clear chances from set pieces.
The Eagles’ high press and quick transitions disrupted Rwanda’s rhythm and created several openings, though they missed the final touch on a few occasions.
Rwanda struggled to gain a foothold, but they had brief moments of promise. Substitute Gilbert Mugisha tested Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a long-range strike.
Still, it was Nigeria who looked more likely to score again.
Just before halftime, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead. He latched onto a through ball on the counterattack and calmly chipped it over the Rwandan goalkeeper, giving the Super Eagles a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.
Second-half control and composure
Rwanda returned in the second half looking to restore pride in front of their home fans, including President Paul Kagame. However, Nigeria maintained control and composure throughout.
In the 46th minute, Osimhen won a free kick after being fouled by Djihad Bizimana, who received a yellow card.
Simon and Wilfred Ndidi had further chances to increase Nigeria’s lead, but their efforts either went wide or were stopped by Rwanda’s goalkeeper.
As the game progressed, Coach Eric Chelle made strategic substitutions to reinforce the midfield and preserve the lead.
Raphael Onyedika and Bruno Onyemaechi replaced Ola Aina and Samuel Chukwueze in the 58th minute. Later, Tolu Arokodare made his senior debut, coming on for Osimhen in the 78th minute.
Despite some late pushes from Rwanda, Nigeria’s defense remained solid. The team focused on ball retention and smart passing to slow the pace and deny the hosts any real chances.
Eagles turn focus to Zimbabwe clash
With this crucial win, Nigeria moved up the Group C table and reignited hopes of World Cup qualification.
They will now head to Uyo, where they will face Zimbabwe on Tuesday. A win in that match could push Nigeria even closer to the top spot in the group, currently held by South Africa.
The Super Eagles’ confidence is growing, and with Osimhen back to his best, Nigeria will look to carry this momentum into the next round of qualifiers.
