Super Eagles has kept Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Rwanda.
Glamtush reports that in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.
Osimhen was subbed in the 33rd minute, a few minutes after he went down from a challenge. He was replaced by Cyril Dessers of Panathinaikos. Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi’s long-range effort just moments later was tipped off by the brilliant Fiacre Ntwari in the Rwandan goal.
The Super Eagles laboured but could not break down a Rwandan team intent on sitting back and soaking up the pressure from the home team.
Upon resumption of the second half, the 2013 AFCON winners pushed forward to find a goal. That paid off in the 51st minute when the imposing Tolu Arokadare – introduced at half time – volleyed home in the near post to give Nigeria the much-needed cushion.
Ntwari had blocked the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman’s effort, but the loose ball fell kindly to the former Genk man, who bundled it home
The victory moves Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remains on 8 points, making the race for World Cup qualification even tighter.
Fans reacted passionately on social media platforms, with many praising the team’s resilience and expressing concern over Osimhen’s injury.
With three more matches to the end of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Tuesday’s game in Bloemfontein against South Africa is a crunch encounter. Nigeria must win its games to stand any realistic chance of picking one of Africa’s automatic tickets to the competition.
They will also be hoping that FIFA deducts three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their March 2025 clash with Lesotho.
FIFA is yet to decide on that as of now. The three-time African champions could also qualify for the tournament should they finish as one of the best four second-placed teams in the qualifiers. One team will then move on from the pool to play an intercontinental play-off.
The Super Eagles did not qualify for the last World Cup in Qatar, losing on the away goal rule to rivals Ghana in the play-off.
