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The 51-minute strike of Tolu Arokodare of a goals struggle was decisive since the Super Eagles exceeded a resistant side of Rwanda 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio stadium on the first day seven of the FIFA World Cup Classification 2026.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead at the beginning of the game when Victor Osimhen clung to a fine of a Adela Lookman Ademola and has slipped home, just for the referee to be ruled out by the referee.
Nigeria, under the guidance of Eric Chelle, continued to investigate for the first game. Alex Iwobi approached with a thunderous long -range effort, but Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Ntwari Fiacre, produced a fingertips yolk to deny it. Despite the relentless pressure, the solid defensive structure of visitors frustrated the three times African champions for much of the first half.
There was a setback for the Super Eagles when Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, had what seems like an ankle injury, giving way to the possible Cyriel. The first half ended without goals.
In the restart, Nigeria finally made its way. The substitute Tolu Arokodare, who had replaced Frank Onyaka, reacted faster in a box full of people to push the winner, causing wild celebrations among local fans.
Aware of its expensive late period against Zimbabwe in their last qualifier for the World Cup, the Eagles kept the things tight in the back this time, limiting the threat of attack of Rwanda and forcing visitors to play mainly in their own half.
Nigeria almost doubled his advantage when Lookman pounced in a rebound after the shot of Moses Simon spilled, but Ntwari achieved a double bright save to keep his side in the contest.
As the game progressed, Chelle refreshed his squad with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replacing Lookman, William Troost-Ekong coming for owners and brilliant Osayi-Samuel in an exhausted Ola Aina. The Eagles remained firm to ensure a 1-0 vital victory and rekindle their world cup qualification hopes.
The result takes Nigeria to third place in group C with 10 points, one behind the Republic of Benin in second place and six to the drift of the leaders of South Africa. The Super Eagles now face a crucial clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, where victory could significantly increase their chances of reserving a ticket to the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
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