Nigeria took a step forward in reviving their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes after the Super Eagles triumphed in a 2-0 victory over Group C foes Rwanda in Kigali.
Victor Osimhen was the hero for the visitors, striking early in the first half before producing a brilliant poacher's finish just before halftime. The Super Eagles got off to an ideal start when Ademola Lookman's 11th minute free kick service from the left wing sailed towards the far post where Osimhen arrived to volley past Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Nigeria took advantage of the strong start to control play against a Rwanda team that never really threatened Stanley Nwabali in the Super Eagles goal. Just when Amavubi began to find their footing after the half hour mark, Osimhen struck again to kill any momentum for the hosts. Deep into first half stoppage time, the Galatasaray hitman pounced on a loose ball to get behind the Rwandan defense before chipping his finish over Ntwari.
After halftime, Nigeria did well to slow the pace of the match and Rwanda lacked the attacking quality to find a way past a more defensive Nigerian approach. Amavubi created a couple of opportunities in the final minutes but it was too little too late to puncture the Nigerian two-goal cushion.
The Super Eagles moved up to fourth place with result, one point behind Rwanda and now four points behind Group C leaders South Africa who won against Lesotho at home. Nigeria next host Zimbabwe in another must-win match on Tuesday while Rwanda remain in Kigali to face Lesotho on the same day.
Group C Table (5 matches played)
Points | |
South Africa | 10 |
Benin | 8 |
Rwanda | 7 |
Nigeria | 6 |
Lesotho | 5 |
Zimbabwe | 3 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
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