Nigeria edged closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a confident 2-0 victory over Rwanda, thanks to Victor Osimhen’s sensational brace in Kigali.
The visitors wasted no time in making their mark. Just eleven minutes in, Osimhen met a perfectly measured cross from Ademola Lookman, rising highest at the back post to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre. Rwanda attempted to respond with moments of pressure, but the Nigerian defence, marshalled by William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, held firm, ensuring Stanley Nwabali remained largely untested.
On the brink of half-time, Osimhen delivered another moment of brilliance. He pressed high, forced a turnover, and charged through on goal. Faced with an advancing Fiacre, he calmly chipped the ball over the keeper to double Nigeria’s lead and silence the home crowd.
In the second half, Nigeria maintained control but showed occasional lapses. In the 62nd minute, miscommunication between Osimhen and Troost-Ekong gifted Rwanda a chance, though Ernest Nshuti couldn’t capitalise. Lookman almost extended the lead with a threatening run, only for Rwanda’s defence to crowd him out.
Tactical adjustments followed in the 68th minute, with Alex Iwobi moving further forward and Moses Simon swapping flanks to invigorate the attack. Osimhen nearly completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute but misfired from close range. That miss marked the end of his evening as Tolu Arokodare replaced him, while Bright Osayi-Samuel also made way for Alhassan Yusuf.
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Rwanda’s late effort to find a consolation goal was thwarted in the 88th minute when their strike was ruled out for offside, ensuring Nigeria’s clean sheet remained intact.
This victory strengthens Nigeria’s position in the qualifiers, with Osimhen’s heroics and Lookman’s creativity standing out. Confidence will be high as the team prepares to host Zimbabwe on March 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
Editorial
We can’t help but admire the authority and poise our Super Eagles displayed in Kigali. It’s not just about securing three points; it’s about the manner in which they did it. Victor Osimhen was electric, and once again, he showed us why he is at the heart of Nigeria’s World Cup hopes. His two goals weren’t just finishes — they were statements of intent.
We’ve long called for clinical edge and composure under pressure, and Osimhen delivered both with style. The first goal was the product of sharp awareness and aerial dominance. The second, a cheeky chip, oozed confidence. These are the moments we live for — moments that make us believe this team can achieve something remarkable.
But beyond Osimhen, there was balance. William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey provided defensive assurance, standing tall against Rwanda’s attempts. Stanley Nwabali looked assured between the sticks, and Lookman’s crosses were a constant menace. It was a team performance, built on grit and flashes of brilliance.
Yet, we noticed signs of complacency in the second half. Sloppy passes and minor lapses could have let Rwanda back into the game. If we are to conquer bigger opponents, these moments must be eliminated. Let’s not forget that qualification is a marathon, not a sprint.
We should also applaud the tactical flexibility shown by the coaching staff. The adjustments in the second half — repositioning Iwobi and shifting Simon gave the team fresh energy. This adaptability could be key in the long journey ahead.
We head into the next match brimming with hope. This team has the talent, the spirit, and the leadership to go all the way. We must back them wholeheartedly, standing behind the players as they carry our dreams to the world stage. Osimhen’s goals were just the beginning; we believe they will spark a triumph-filled campaign.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen won the 2023 African Footballer of the Year award.
- The Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where Nigeria will host Zimbabwe, is nicknamed the ‘Nest of Champions.’
- Nigeria last failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2006.
- Rwanda’s national team is nicknamed ‘Amavubi,’ which means ‘The Wasps’ in Kinyarwanda.
- Nigeria’s biggest-ever World Cup qualifying win was an 8-1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in 2022.
