Nigeria’s Super Eagles, on Friday, defeated Rwanda 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to revive the team’s hopes of making it to the global competition.
Victor Osimhen’s first half brace was enough to give the Super Eagles the three points and first victory in the qualifiers.
The Galatasaray of Turkey star’s goals came in the 11th minute and the 3rd minute of added time in the first half. His first was a delight, connecting with an in swinging freekick from the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, with his right foot to beat the goalkeeper.
The second goal followed a solo run by the striker after winning the ball from the centre of the pitch and went all the way to chip the ball over the head of the Rwandan goalkeeper.
The victory moved Nigeria from 5th to 4th on the table with 6 points, one point behind Rwanda on 7 points, 2 points behind second placed Benin Republic and 4 points behind leaders South Africa who are on 10 point.
A look at the Group C table suggests that the Super Eagles still face a daunting task in ensuring that an automatic ticket for the 2026 World Cup is secured, but the game against Rwanda is a good start for new coach Eric Chelle.
The Malian fielded a strong team that had star attackers Osimhen and Lookman leading the forward line, with Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon supporting.
Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi ran things in the middle for the three-time African champions in Kigali.
Calvin Bassey and Troost Ekong partnered in the heart of the defence for Nigeria while safe hands Stanley Nwabali manned the post for Chelle’s side, with Bright Osayi- Samuel completing the first eleven.
Nigeria will host Zimbabwe in Uyo the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria on Tuesday, hoping to get another three points to climb up the table.
