Super Eagles Players celebrated their wins with their fans after defeating Rwanda two to nothing for the 2026 World Cup qualifier. They defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali as they kicked off for the 2026 World Cup Qualifier. This is their first win in the qualification round, putting them back in the running for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles now have six points from five games after two goals from Victor Osimhen in the tenth and third minutes of the first half's extra time sealed the three points.
Other top teams in Group C also lost points as a result of this good fortune. South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0 on Thursday to take the lead in the group, while Zimbabwe held Benin 2-2.
Highlights From The 1st Half
Nigeria was in control from the beginning, but the game took a sharp turn when Osimhen was hurt in the opening minute and needed emergency care. Nigeria persisted despite the setback, and Ademola Lookman had an opportunity to fire in the fifth minute but was denied the ball, giving the opposition a free kick.
Nigeria was awarded a free kick in the tenth minute after Moses Simon was fouled just outside the box. Osimhen, displaying tenacity with his early injury, scored, his 24th goal in 40 games, after Lookman stepped up to take it. The Rwandans felt uneasy under Nigeria's intense scrutiny, and the Eagles maintained their dominance.
The pressure was increased in the 12th minute when Ange Mutzinsi almost gave away a dangerous cross from Osimhen. Nigeria persisted in their attack, and Ekong missed a fantastic opportunity to score from a corner kick in the fourteenth minute after heading the ball high. Ola Aina was fouled by the physical Rwandan team a minute later, and another free kick was given. Unmarked and frustrated, Ekong had another opportunity but missed the mark after heading wide from an open goal.
Osimhen scored once more, this time on a breakaway, shortly before halftime. He completed a strong first half for his team by scoring Nigeria's second goal with a lovely chip over the goalie.
Highlights From The 2nd Half
Restoring Amavubi pride in front of President Paul Kagame's home audience was the main focus of the second half.
After Osimhen was fouled in the 46th minute, Djihad Bizimana, the captain of Rwanda, was given a yellow card for the challenge and Nigeria was awarded a free kick. Simon then tried a shot from the box's edge in the 47th minute, but it missed the mark and went wide.
As the match became increasingly aggressive, Ndidi was given a yellow card for fouling Rwanda's number four in the 49th minute. Nigeria continued to advance, and in the 50th minute, Bright Osayi-Samuel attempted to score, but the goalie stopped his shot, giving Nigeria a corner kick.
Nigeria attempted to control the action by holding the ball, but Rwanda persisted in pushing forward. The Eagles put up a strong defence to earn all three points and a clean sheet even after five more minutes were added.
In an attempt to go up to the top of Group C, the Eagles will travel to Uyo on Tuesday, where Nigeria will host Zimbabwe. All the best to the teams!
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