The Super Eagles of Nigeria boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over a resilient Rwanda side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Nigeria created the first real opportunity in the 3rd minute when Victor Osimhen fired at goal, but his effort lacked the power to trouble the Rwandan goalkeeper. The Galatasaray striker thought he had opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a simple tap-in, but the assistant referee ruled him offside.
Wilfred Ndidi went close in the 15th minute with a low drive that drifted off target, while Moses Simon saw his strike blocked by Rwanda’s defence after sustained Nigerian possession in the 30th minute.
The Super Eagles were dealt a blow when Osimhen was forced off in the 34th minute following an injury from a Rwanda defender’s tackle, with Cyriel Dessers coming on as his replacement. Moments later, Alex Iwobi’s long-range shot was tipped away by the Rwanda goalkeeper.
Nigeria resumed the second half with more urgency as Tolu Arokodare replaced Frank Onyeka. The Genk forward made an instant impact, breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute with a sharp goal-line scissors kick that sent the home fans into jubilation.
Simon nearly doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, but his attempt was blocked, and Ademola Lookman failed to convert the rebound. Ndidi also saw another shot saved as Nigeria pushed for a second goal.
In the 75th minute, Simon’s well-struck free-kick was once again parried away by the impressive Rwanda goalkeeper, who kept the visitors in the contest.
With the game winding down, Nigeria made late substitutions in the 87th minute, bringing on William Troost-Ekong and Bright Osayi-Samuel for Ola Aina and Dessers. The hosts then held firm to secure all three points and keep their qualification hopes alive.