Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their faltering campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The win, courtesy of a second-half strike from substitute Tolu Arokodare, propelled the three-time African champions to third place in Group C, keeping their hopes alive for automatic qualification to the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The match was a tense affair, with Nigeria dominating possession but struggling to break down a resilient Rwandan defense.
Early on, Victor Osimhen thought he had given the hosts the lead in the 8th minute, bundling home a cross from Ademola Lookman, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Osimhen, who has been pivotal for the Super Eagles, was forced off in the 34th minute with a lower left leg injury, raising concerns ahead of their crucial upcoming clash against group leaders South Africa.
At halftime, coach Augustine Eguavoen introduced Tolu Arokodare, the new Wolves striker, to add more firepower upfront.
The change paid dividends just six minutes into the second half when Arokodare volleyed home from close range after Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari could only parry a shot from Moses Simon, leaving the ball loose in the box. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the home crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favor.
Nigeria had opportunities to extend their lead, with Ntwari pulling off a stunning double save to deny Simon and Lookman later in the half.
Alex Iwobi also tested the keeper with a curling long-range effort that was tipped over the bar. Rwanda, known as the Amavubi, mounted a late push for an equalizer, but a crucial block by Calvin Bassey on a close-range header from a corner preserved the clean sheet for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
This result comes on the heels of Nigeria’s earlier 2-0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali back in March 2025, where Victor Osimhen played a starring role. With only three rounds of fixtures remaining, the Super Eagles now sit six points behind South Africa but have a game in hand.
A potential FIFA ruling on South Africa’s alleged use of an ineligible player in a prior match could see them docked points, further boosting Nigeria’s chances.
Post-match, Eguavoen praised his team’s resilience: “It wasn’t pretty, but we got the three points we desperately needed.
Now, all focus shifts to South Africa.” Rwanda’s coach Torsten Spittler lamented missed opportunities but commended his side’s defensive effort.
The Super Eagles’ next test is a must-win away fixture against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. Victory there could catapult them back into pole position in the group, ensuring they don’t miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.
Fans across Nigeria are hopeful that this nervy triumph signals a turning point in their qualification journey.