Nigeria revived their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup with a nervy 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.
Nigeria suffered a blow during the first half as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half, replaced by Cyril Dessers. Despite the setback the Super Eagles maintained pressure to secure the win.
The first half ended goalless, Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.
However few minutes into the second half Tolu Arokodare proved to be the match-winner for the Super Eagles, scoring the only goal of the match by volleying in from two yards out.
The victory moved Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remains on 8 points, making the race for World Cup qualification even tighter.
With three rounds of fixtures remaining and only the group winners assured of a place at the finals next year, Nigeria must realistically win that game to stay in contention for top spot and avoid missing a second successive edition of the World Cup.
