Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were revamped on Friday evening as they romped to a 2-0 win over Rwanda, reports The Standard Gazette.
The Eagles were lagging in fourth place in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with two three draws and a defeat after four rounds of qualification games and needed to claim all points to salvage their reputation.
Two first-half goals by Victor Osimhen put the three-time African champions in the driving seat.
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The on-loan Galatasaray striker pounced on a dipping freekick delivered by Ademola Lookman in the 11th minute to poke home from close range.
The Rwandans thwarted Nigeria’s ensuing scoring chances but their further resistance in the first half was broken in the second minute of added time when Osimhen got to the end of a Calvin Bassey header and dinked the ball past Facts Ntwari in goal for the hosts.
The second half did not produce any goal for the Nigerian side as the Rwandans gained some confidence culminating in a late ‘goal’ by Yves Habimana chalked off for offside.
The game marked the debut for RC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare who was yellow-carded in added time fee minutes after Alex Iwobi was also booked.
The Nigerian side are expected back on Saturday as they prepare for Tuesday’s game against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Nigerian side now has six points from five matches – two points adrift of Benin Republic and Zimbabwe who drew 2-2 on Thursday.
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