Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept World Cup hopes alive after defeating the Amavubi of Rwanda 1-0 in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, September 6.
In the 51st minute when substitute Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball inside the box to slot home, sending the home fans into jubilation. His strike proved enough to separate the two sides in a hotly contested encounter.
Nigeria dominated possession in the first half but failed to convert their chances, with Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon coming close. Rwanda held firm defensively and frustrated the hosts until the breakthrough arrived early in the second half.
Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen limped off with an ankle injury in the 36th minute following a clash in the penalty area. He was replaced and is expected to undergo assessment to determine the extent of the injury.
Owing to the way they played in the 1-0 win against Rwanda, the Super Eagles do not deserve to go to the World Cup, some Nigerians reason.
The team led by Eric Chelle had a goal scored by Victor Osimhen disallowed by VAR in the first half.
Rwanda pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equalizer, but the Super Eagles’ defense held strong, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho making crucial saves to preserve the lead. The victory lifted Nigeria up the group standings, keeping their qualification hopes alive with three games remaining.
Head coach Eric Chelle praised his team’s resilience and urged them to build on the result. Nigeria will now shift attention to their next qualifier with South Africa on September 9.
