In a high-stakes World Cup qualifier at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a vital 2-0 victory over Rwanda, thanks to a stellar performance by Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker’s first-half brace not only ended Nigeria’s winless streak in the qualifiers but also reignited their hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted their dominance, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. The breakthrough came early in the 11th minute when Ademola Lookman’s precise free-kick found Osimhen, who deftly converted from close range. The duo continued to torment Rwanda’s defense, with Lookman creating multiple opportunities that kept the hosts on the back foot.
Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead just before halftime with a moment of brilliance. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse, he chipped the ball over Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, leaving the home crowd stunned. This marked Osimhen’s 24th goal in a Nigerian jersey, further cementing his status as a key player for the Super Eagles.
Despite the scoreline, Rwanda showed flashes of promise. Bonheur Mugisha came close to pulling one back in the 53rd minute, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was equal to the task. The Amavubi defense, led by Fiacre Ntwari, worked tirelessly to prevent further damage, denying Lookman and Moses Simon on several occasions.
This victory lifts Nigeria to fourth place in Group C, narrowing the gap to the automatic qualification spots. With a crucial fixture against Zimbabwe looming, the Super Eagles will need to maintain their momentum to keep their World Cup dreams alive. For Rwanda, the loss is a setback, but their spirited performance offers hope for future matches.
Victor Osimhen’s heroics have not only revitalized Nigeria’s campaign but also underscored the importance of individual brilliance in team success. As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see if they can soar to new heights.