Super Eagles Secure First Victory Against Rwanda in WCQ

In a tense and hard-fought battle at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria’s Super Eagles clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The win, marking their first home triumph in the campaign, propelled the three-time African champions to 10 points in Group C, keeping alive faint hopes of qualification despite trailing leaders South Africa by six points.

Tolu Arokodare’s second-half strike proved decisive, but the match was marred by an early injury to star striker Victor Osimhen, raising concerns ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal clash against the Bafana Bafana.

The game started cautiously, with Nigeria dominating possession but struggling to break down Rwanda’s resilient defense. Early chances fell to Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but a disallowed goal for offside and sharp saves from Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari kept the scoreline level. Disaster struck in the 32nd minute when Osimhen twisted his ankle following a heavy tackle, forcing his substitution by Cyriel Dessers. The Galatasaray forward limped off, leaving the Super Eagles’ attack depleted and the home crowd anxious about his fitness for the upcoming South Africa showdown.

The second half ignited with a tactical switch from coach Eric Chelle, who introduced Arokodare for Frank Onyeka in the 50th minute. Just one minute later, the towering forward capitalized on a scramble in the box after Ola Aina’s cross, bundling the ball over the line to send the stadium into raptures. Rwanda pushed back with counter-attacks, but Stanley Nwabali’s heroics in goal, including a stunning save in the 84th minute, preserved the lead.

Despite heated exchanges earning yellow cards for Nwabali and Innocent Nshuti, the Amavubi couldn’t find an equalizer, their blunt attack limited to four goals across six prior qualifiers.This gritty win offers a glimmer of redemption for the Super Eagles, who had endured frustrating draws and a shock loss to Benin earlier in the campaign. With Rwanda slipping to eight points, Nigeria now eyes a must-win against South Africa to climb the table. Chelle praised his team’s resilience: “We fought hard, and this is just the start.” Fans, however, remain cautious, knowing three more victories are essential to avoid missing the World Cup for a second straight time.