By Nigeria battled to a vital 1-0 win over Rwanda to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive, The Super Eagles’ 2-0 win in the reverse fixture was their only win in six attempts in CAF Group C heading into Saturday’s game at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where a tense encounter ensued.
Victor Osimhen scored both goals in the teams’ previous meeting, but the Galatasaray striker was forced off 10 minutes before the break to compound a listless first-half showing from Eric Chelle’s men.
Chelle sent on Tolu Arokodare for Frank Onyeka at the break and the Wolves forward got the breakthrough six minutes later, Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari denied Arokodare and when Ola Aina diverted the ball back towards goal, the prone substitute clattered it in via the underside of the crossbar.
Calvin Bassey made a vital clearance off the line as the clock ticked down, but Nigeria avoided a repeat of Zimbabwe’s stoppage time equaliser in their March qualifier.
Much of Group C now appears to hinge on Tuesday’s qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria in Bloemfontein. Bafana Bafana are six points ahead of their rivals with three matches remaining. Only the group winners are guaranteed of a place at the 2
Nigeria vs. Rwanda score
| 2nd Half | Goalscorers | |
| Nigeria | 1 | Arokodare 51′ |
| Rwanda | 0 | _ |
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Referee: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
Starting lineups:
Nigeria (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. Nwabali (GK) — 2. Aina, 13. Fredrick, 21. Bassey, 3. Onyemaechi — 4. Ndidi, 17. Iwobi — 8. Onyeka. 7. Lookman, 15. Simon — 9. Osimhen
Rwanda (4-1-4-1, right to left): 1. Ntwari (GK) — 15. Mugusha 5. Mutsinzi, 17. Manzi, 2. Niyomugabo — 19. Nshuti — 13. Omborenga, 4. Dizimana, 12. Mugisha 14. Kavita — 9. Hamon
