Nigeria kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
Tolu Arokodare’s decisive strike lifted the Super Eagles, though Victor Osimhen’s injury casts doubt on upcoming qualifiers.
Nigeria secured their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Substitute striker Tolu Arokodare proved to be the match-winner, scoring six minutes into the second half after a scrappy goalmouth exchange.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward initially saw his first effort blocked, Ola Aina’s follow-up was parried by Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, before Arokodare pounced to volley home from close range.
The victory moves Nigeria up to third in Group C, surpassing Rwanda and narrowing the gap to leaders South Africa.
With three matches remaining and only group winners guaranteed a spot at the finals, the Super Eagles must defeat South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday to remain in contention for automatic qualification.
Nigeria’s hopes could yet be boosted off the pitch, with FIFA still reviewing whether South Africa should be docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
If the sanction is imposed, it could significantly change the group standings in favor of Nigeria.
Arokodare steps up amid Osimhen injury scare
The win came at a cost, as talismanic striker Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half with a lower leg injury after seeing an early goal ruled out for offside. His absence forced head coach Eric Chelle to turn to Arokodare, who justified his inclusion with the decisive strike.
Nigeria created chances throughout but found Ntwari in inspired form. The Rwandan goalkeeper produced crucial saves to deny Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman in quick succession, while Alex Iwobi’s curling effort was tipped over the bar.
Defensively, the Super Eagles survived tense moments, with Calvin Bassey blocking a point-blank header and Stanley Nwabali making a vital stop late in the game to preserve the clean sheet.
Qualification stakes remain high
Nigeria has now won just two of their seven qualifiers in a turbulent campaign under three different managers.
Chelle, appointed in January, has steadied the team but admitted that points dropped earlier in the campaign, particularly the late equalizer conceded against Zimbabwe in Uyo, have left little margin for error.
With Osimhen’s fitness uncertain and a crucial away match against South Africa approaching, Arokodare’s rise provides the Super Eagles with a much-needed boost in their attack.
Should Nigeria fail to top the group, they could still advance via the African play-offs as one of the four best second-placed teams, with the winner of that stage heading to an intercontinental qualifier.
For now, Saturday’s victory offers both relief and renewed confidence that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the trip to North America in 2026.
