Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign had been stuttering, but in Kigali, the Super Eagles finally roared to life, Soccernet.ng reports.
A Victor Osimhen brace secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda — Nigeria’s first-ever win on Rwandan soil after three previous draws.
The result not only revives the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes but also showcases a newfound tactical intelligence and hunger that had been missing in previous outings. Here are five key takeaways from this crucial victory.
Eric Chelle is a master tactician
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle set up his side in an aggressive 4-4-2 formation in the first half, encouraging his team to press high and suffocate Rwanda’s build-up play.
The decision paid dividends, as Nigeria dominated possession and forced errors in dangerous areas — one of which led directly to Osimhen’s second goal.
But Chelle’s tactical nous was best demonstrated in the second half.
Sensing the need for more control, he shifted to a 4-3-3, adding an extra body in midfield to stifle Rwanda’s attempts to mount a comeback. The adjustment worked, as Nigeria expertly managed the game, controlling possession and limiting the hosts to half-chances.
For the first time in a long while, the Super Eagles looked like a team with a clear tactical plan — and a coach who knows how to execute it.
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles finally show hunger and desire for the World Cup
Before this match, Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign had been uninspiring, with lethargic performances raising serious doubts about their commitment.
But in Kigali, the Super Eagles played like a team that truly wants to be at the 2026 World Cup.
From the first whistle, Nigeria pressed with intensity, fought for every second ball, and showed the kind of grit that had been missing in previous games.
Osimhen, Lookman, and Simon harassed the Rwandan defenders relentlessly, while the midfield duo of Iwobi, and Ndidi provided a strong backbone.
Chelle’s men defended their lead with discipline, refused to sit too deep, and played with real purpose. If they can replicate this level of desire in the remaining qualifiers, a World Cup ticket is still within reach.
Osimhen is Nigeria’s greatest striker since Yekini
Rashidi Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, but Victor Osimhen continues to prove he is the most decisive striker the country has had since the legendary forward.
His two goals in Kigali were vintage Osimhen: a poacher’s finish from Lookman’s cross and a ruthless high-press interception followed by an ice-cold dink over the goalkeeper.
He now has 25 international goals in just 37 appearances — an astonishing strike rate that puts him ahead of Segun Odegbami in Nigeria’s scoring charts.
At 25, Osimhen is still improving. If he maintains this trajectory, he could surpass Yekini’s 37-goal record in the near future.
Chelle has found a way to make Simon and Lookman coexist
One of the biggest tactical dilemmas for Nigeria has been how to accommodate Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman in the same starting XI without compromising balance. Chelle may have finally cracked the code.
Simon played on the left while Lookman was given a free role in attack, drifting centrally to operate between the lines.
The combination worked brilliantly, with both players involved in Nigeria’s first goal — Simon winning the foul and Lookman delivering a perfect cross for Osimhen.
By using Simon as a traditional winger and allowing Lookman to float, Chelle has given Nigeria more dynamism in attack.
If this partnership continues to flourish, the Super Eagles will have a dangerous left-sided duo going forward.
A historic win in Rwanda ends years of frustration
Prior to this match, Nigeria had never won in Rwanda. Three previous trips ended in frustrating draws, but Osimhen’s heroics finally ended that jinx.
This result also saw Osimhen become only the second Nigerian to score on Rwandan soil after Obafemi Martins.
The victory lifts Nigeria to six points in Group C and, more importantly, restores belief that the Super Eagles can still turn their qualification campaign around.
Up next, Nigeria host Zimbabwe in Uyo, and with confidence soaring after this win, Chelle’s men have the perfect opportunity to secure back-to-back victories.
Soccernet.ng’s verdict
Nigeria’s performance in Kigali was a statement — this team still has the fight and quality to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Chelle’s tactical intelligence, Osimhen’s brilliance, and the squad’s renewed hunger were all key factors in this historic win.
Now, the challenge is consistency.
If the Super Eagles can build on this, they may yet book their place in North America. For the first time in a while, Nigeria’s World Cup dream is alive again.