The Super Eagles of Nigeria got their first win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier after defeating Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday evening to revive their world cup hopes.
It was Eric Chelle’s first match in charge of the Super Eagles and delivered a 2-0 win for the three-time African champions.
Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen scored a first-half brace to give Nigeria the deserved win over Rwanda away from home.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the Super Eagles an early lead following a deadly cross from Ademola Lookman.
The striker doubled Nigeria’s advantage in first-half stoppage time (45+3’), sealing an important win for his side.
The match saw a physical battle, with Rwanda’s D. Bizimana receiving a yellow card in the 46th minute, followed by Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi picking up a booking in the 49th minute.
Despite Rwanda enjoying 45% possession, they struggled to break through Nigeria’s defence, managing only two shots on target.
Nigeria, on the other hand, registered three shots on target and eight corner kicks, dominating offensive play.
The victory lifts Nigeria to fourth place in Group C with six points from five matches, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Rwanda did win the previous meeting between the two nations back in November, but there was to be no repeat as Nigeria saw out the rest of the game with relative ease to secure their first win of the qualification campaign.
This result coupled with South Africa’s win over Lesotho sees Rwanda slip one place to third. The Super Eagles, however, are up to fourth and a point behind their opponents as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in another huge fixture next week.
