Victor Osimhen’s Brace Secures Crucial World Cup Qualifier Win For Nigeria Against Rwanda

Nigeria’s Super Eagles breathed newfound life into their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali.

The win ended a worrying streak of four consecutive matches without a win and also marked a significant debut for new manager Eric Chelle.

Nail-Biting Build-Up

The stakes were high for Nigeria as they arrived in Kigali seated fifth in Group C, five points adrift of the automatic qualification spots. Their previous encounters had seen the Super Eagles struggle, compounded by a nearly two-decade-long drought of scored goals in Rwanda.

In light of this daunting history, Chelle’s appointment was met with cautious optimism. He stepped in to replace Augustine Eguavoen, and this first match under his stewardship would act as a great test for both team morale and tactical effectiveness.

Key players like Ola Aina, who stood firm at left-back, and midfield duo Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi brought both creativity and importance to the play.

In central defense, William Troost-Ekong, the captain and former Watford star, paired with Calvin Bassey, ensuring a solid foundation from which the Super Eagles could launch their attacks.

Osimhen Shines

The opening stages of the match set the tone for what was to come.

Ademola Lookman quickly established himself as a pivotal figure, displaying keen vision and delivering a precise free-kick that found Osimhen lurking at the back post.

The Galatasaray striker, anticipating the delivery, converted from close range to put Nigeria ahead.

Following the goal, Nigeria dominated possession, continuing to press Rwanda with intensity and determination. Troost-Ekong nearly added to the lead with two well-placed headers from Lookman’s corner kicks, but both efforts failed to hit the target.

Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, was on high alert as he produced a stunning fingertip save to deny Moses Simon’s fierce attempt.

Just when it seemed Nigeria would head into halftime with a slim lead, Osimhen struck again. With incredible poise and awareness, he intercepted the ball, sprinted clear of his marker, and executed a delightful dink over Ntwari, doubling Nigeria’s lead and sending the team into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Defending the Lead

The second half saw Rwanda desperately searching for a route back into the game, but Nigeria’s defensive unit stood resolute.

Despite Rwanda’s efforts to create opportunities, there were few clear-cut chances. The Super Eagles controlled the tempo, showing their ability to manage the game effectively and stifle any momentum the Rwandans tried to build.

As the clock ticked down, Nigeria’s players remained focused, ensuring that they held on to their lead. The victory felt monumental, not just as a much-needed three points, but as an important start to Chelle’s reign at the helm of the national team.

Looking Ahead

This victory was particularly pivotal in the context of Group C, as it saw Nigeria climb to fourth place, just one point behind Rwanda, who slipped to third following South Africa’s win over Lesotho in another fixture.

With eyes firmly set on the next challenge, Nigeria now prepares to face Zimbabwe in what promises to be another critical encounter on the road to World Cup qualification.