The Super Eagles of Nigeria edged Rwanda 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, a result that boosts their confidence heading into the next crucial showdown against South Africa.
The Super Eagles began the game on the front foot and nearly struck early when Ademola Lookman’s delivery was turned in by Victor Osimhen, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. After the offside call, Lookman continued to torment Rwanda’s backline but Nigeria struggled to find the much-needed breakthrough.
Just before the half-hour mark, Osimhen, who had scored Nigeria’s last three goals in the World Cup qualifiers, picked up a knock following a challenge from a Rwandan defender. The Galatasaray striker attempted to carry on, but by the 33rd minute he was forced off, with Cyriel Dessers coming on in his place.
Despite the setback, Nigeria pressed on in search of a breakthrough, with Iwobi forcing Fiacre Ntwari into a fine save to tip his effort over the bar. Rwanda also remained resolute at the back, standing firm to deny the Super Eagles a first-half goal.
More Read
Chasing a breakthrough, Eric Chelle made a bold halftime switch, sacrificing defensive midfielder Frank Onyeka for striker Tolu Arokodare. The gamble paid off just five minutes later, as Arokodare capped a good team move inside Rwanda’s box to score Nigeria’s opener.
The opener injected fresh momentum into Nigeria’s play, sparking a wave of relentless attacks in search of a second. The Rwandan goalkeeper rose to the occasion with a stunning double save to thwart Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman, before again denying Wilfred Ndidi from extending the advantage minutes later.
Rwanda made some changes and pushed for an equaliser but found no way through Nigeria’s solid backline. In the end, the Super Eagles held firm to claim a hard-fought 1-0 win, sealing a crucial victory in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
The victory takes Nigeria up to third on the table with 10 points, one point behind Benin who sit second and six behind South Africa who remain on top of the standings.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
