Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup received a major boost as the Super Eagles secured a historic 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, FootyNaija.com reports.
It was Nigeria’s first-ever win on Rwandan soil, and it came in emphatic fashion. Victor Osimhen struck twice in the first half to end the Super Eagles’ winless run in the qualifiers and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Head coach Eric Chelle signaled his attacking intent before kickoff, naming a front-heavy lineup featuring Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi—all players capable of scoring or creating goals.
The approach paid off almost immediately. In the 11th minute, Simon was fouled in the final third, and Lookman delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post. Osimhen reacted sharply, stabbing the ball past the Rwandan goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Five minutes later, Nigeria nearly doubled their lead from a similar set-piece. Lookman provided another inviting dead-ball delivery, but captain William Troost-Ekong sent his free header wide.
Simon then forced a brilliant save from Ntwari after working his way into a shooting position and aiming for the top corner.
Rwanda responded well, growing into the game and threatening an equaliser. However, just before halftime, Osimhen struck again. Pressing high up the pitch, he robbed a defender of possession, sprinted clear, and delicately lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to double Nigeria’s advantage.
That goal took Osimhen’s international tally to 25 goals in 37 appearances, making him Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer outright. Before the match, he was level with Segun Odegbami, the legendary 1980 AFCON winner, who had 23 goals in 46 games.
With a two-goal cushion, Nigeria managed the game well in the second half, controlling possession and limiting Rwanda’s chances to secure a crucial victory.
The result moves the Super Eagles to six points from five games, lifting them to fourth place in Group C.
Nigeria will look to build on this momentum when they host Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, aiming for a second consecutive win in their qualifying campaign.