The fortunes of the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers suddenly look bright after they put up a dominant display Friday evening to beat Rwanda’s Amavubi at Amaharo State in Kigali.
Victor Osimhen with two brilliant goals wrapped up the victory, so badly needed by the Super Eagles to revive their World Cup hopes. It was their first win of the qualifiers and a debut win for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
Osimhen latched on to a cross by Ademola Lookman into the box, the Galatasaray loanee took two steps forward to connect with the ball with a jab which jaded the home side. The 11th minute goal was all the Super Eagles need to calm their nerves.
With good organisation, the Super Eagles were all over the pitch causing anxious moment for Rwanda. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was hardly tested with William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey holding their ground in the centre back, while Ola Aina and Bright Osayi Samuel ran the ran the flanks.
Osimhen came back to haunt the Rwandans deep in stoppage time of the first half. He won the ball from the high pressing Amavubi in the centre circle and race down the field to calmly chip Ntwari Fiacre for his second goal.
In the second half the Super Eagles controlled the game and put out Rwanda’s attacking forays. In the 77-minute Osimhen was presented with a chance to bag his first Super Eagles hattrick, but he misfired. He was replaced by newcomer Tolu Arokodare who was welcomed with a yellow card moments afterwards.
Rwanda thought they had a lifeline when they slot in the ball from an offside position, they did not protest as the referee ruled out the goal.
Nigeria now with six points meet Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Uyo, a win will shoot them to nine points, while they await results from other games. South Africa are in firm control of the group C paring with 10 points after beating Lesotho 2-0. Benin Republic are second with eight points, Rwanda remain on seven points, Lesotho with five points are fifth and Zimbabwe occupy the bottom spot with three points.
