The Super Eagles of Nigeria clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, breathing new life into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. The win pushes Nigeria into third place in a fiercely competitive Group C.
The breakthrough arrived in the 51st minute when substitute Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a scrappy defensive mix-up in Rwanda’s box. The Genk striker calmly slotted the ball home, delivering the decisive moment after a cagey first half that left fans restless.
Defensively, Nigeria impressed. Calvin Bassey marshaled the backline with authority, stifling Rwanda’s attack and ensuring the clean sheet remained intact despite late pressure from the visitors.
However, the win came with a bitter twist. Star forward Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half, replaced by Cyril Dessers. The extent of his injury remains unclear, but his potential absence could loom large as Nigeria fights to stay in contention.
The result lifts Nigeria to 10 points after seven matches, trailing South Africa (16 points) and Benin (11 points). Rwanda sits on 8 points. With margins razor-thin, every fixture now carries knockout-level stakes.
Fans celebrated the three points with pride but flooded social media with prayers and concern for Osimhen. For the Super Eagles, the mission remains clear—build momentum, stay resilient, and fight for a ticket to the global stage.
