Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Match Report
Nigeria headed into the clash as massive favorites and needed a big result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. New Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare netted the only goal of the game to give them a narrow win, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against South Africa.
Nigeria began on a strong foot and thought they scored the opener in the eighth minute through Victor Osimhen, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside by the assistant referee. Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari tipped over an effort from Alex Iwobi, before the Super Eagles were forced into an early substitution with an injury to Victor Osimhen, who was replaced by Cyriel Dessers. The half ended goalless with no further goalmouth actions.
Tolu Arokodare replaced Frank Onyeka for Nigeria and broke the deadlock few minutes after coming on. His initial effort was blocked before he got on the end of a fortunate rebound and fired in via the crossbar to put Nigerian in the lead. Ntwari produced a superb double save to deny Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Nigeria, who now move up to third with nine points.
Line-ups
Nigeria XI: Iwobi, Aina, Moses Simon, Ndidi, Osimhen, Lookman, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Stanley Nwabali, Benjamin Fredrick
Subs: W. Troost-Ekong, Cyriel Dessers, Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chukwueze, Felix Agu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tolu Arokodare, Adebayo Adeleye, Raphael Onyedika, Amas Obasogie, Christantus Uche
Rwanda XI: Phanuel Kavita, Djihad Bizimana, Fitina Omborenga, Thierry Manzi, Innocent Nshuti, Ange Mutsinzi, Gilbert Mugisha, Aly-Enzo Hamon, Claude Niyomugabo, Fiacre Ntwari, Bonheur Mugisha
Subs: Kevin Muhire, Abeddy Biramahire, Bryan Ngwabije, Pierre Ishimwe, Clement Twizere, Jojea Kwizera, Dylan Maes, Arthur Gitego, Anicet Ishimwe, Darryl Nkulikiyimana, Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, Christian Mukudju
heffkay
19
I hope Osimhen's injury is not that serious, quick recovery baller. Nigerian need someone who can play accurate outside shots against a dodgy defense like this, we go again next game, hope for better result then. Up Naija 💚🤍💚
cucaelpt
10
please be positive. Nigeria will qualify
cuobcnpsuy
7
thank God ooooooo at all at all na im bad. we need this win at all cost