Nigeria defeated Rwanda 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Uyo.
The deciding goal came in the 51st minute after a substitution where Tolu Arokodare was brought on for Gena Ikouwan, and he scored his first competitive goal for the Super Eagles. The young forward found the back of the net while calmly slotting his shot within the box after Rwanda’s stagnant defense failed to clear the ball.
Prior to the victory, Nigeria struggled to find their rhythm and has an uncoordinated first half of the match despite controlling possession. Rwanda defended resolutely, and although Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman had chances, they failed to score going into half-time.
Head Coach Éric Chelle made radical changes to the team, dropping captain William Troost-Ekong and reassigning the captain’s armband to Wilfred Ndidi. Ndidi partnered Frank Onyeka in the central midfield, and his Leicester City teammate Alex Iwobi provided support moving forward.
Chelle’s ‘gamble’ paid off, as Ndidi was able to dominate for Nigeria, which allowed Nigeria’s wingers to take advantage of stretching Rwanda’s defense. Following Arokodare’s goal, Nigeria pressed on even harder and regained control of the game as centre-backs Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi stood strong against Rwanda’s late efforts.
In their group, Nigeria earned 10 points in Group C with this win and expanded their hopes for a top two finish. Only group leaders qualify directly, and those who finish second place face intercontinental playoffs.
For Rwanda, the result was a damaging setback. For Rwanda, the defeat was a major setback. They had entered the match ahead of Nigeria in the standings but now face a tougher road in their bid to reach their first-ever World Cup.
The result was a welcome winning response for the fans in Uyo, and i Nigeria at large especially following Nigeria’s jittery performance at the beginning of qualifiers. With three matches remaining, Nigeria must capitalize on their current momentum if they are to qualify for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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