(DDM) – The Super Eagles secured a vital 1-0 win over Rwanda to strengthen their bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Nigeria’s progress came despite a major setback as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off injured in the first half.
The Napoli forward, who has been Nigeria’s top scorer in recent qualifiers, suffered a foot injury and is now doubtful for the next fixture.
The Super Eagles are due to face South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday in what could be a decisive encounter.
Osimhen’s injury is particularly significant as he netted twice against Rwanda in the reverse fixture earlier this year.
Despite his absence, Nigeria found the breakthrough early in the second half.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare, who recently signed for English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, delivered the decisive goal.
He reacted sharply to a deflected effort from Ola Aina in the 52nd minute, producing an improvised overhead finish.
The strike stunned Rwanda’s resilient defence and lifted the Nigerian crowd, who had grown anxious after Osimhen’s departure.
The win leaves Nigeria third in Group C, six points behind South Africa with three matches still to play.
Reports suggest South Africa may face a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in March.
If confirmed by FIFA, the deduction could dramatically reshape the group’s standings ahead of the final rounds.
The meeting between Nigeria and South Africa on Tuesday has already been billed as a pivotal clash in the qualifiers.
Rwanda, meanwhile, slipped to fourth place with just eight points from seven matches.
The defeat dents their hopes of reaching the World Cup, which would have been their first-ever appearance at the global finals.
For Nigeria, the victory represents a determined push to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.
The Super Eagles have previously featured in six World Cup tournaments, becoming Africa’s most consistent representatives since USA 1994.
Fans remain hopeful that despite Osimhen’s setback, Nigeria’s squad depth will carry them through the remaining qualifiers.
Coach José Peseiro praised his players for their resilience and tactical discipline after a hard-fought performance.
The Portuguese tactician highlighted Arokodare’s impact as proof that Nigeria’s younger generation can rise to the occasion.
Analysts note that Nigeria must sharpen its finishing and maintain defensive focus to overcome tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
South Africa’s potential points deduction, if enforced, could tilt Group C in Nigeria’s favour.
However, football authorities caution that FIFA has yet to issue a final ruling on the matter.
The outcome of Tuesday’s clash in Bloemfontein may determine whether Nigeria’s road to North America stays alive.
Supporters across the country continue to express optimism that the Super Eagles can overcome challenges to secure qualification.
The race for Group C remains wide open, with Nigeria now firmly in contention as the qualifiers enter their decisive phase.
