Nigeria boosted their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Tolu Arokodare scored the only goal in the 51st minute, giving the Super Eagles all three points and taking their tally to 10 in the group. Despite the victory, Nigeria remain in third place, six points behind leaders South Africa.
There is still a chance for the Eagles, as South Africa may lose three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player in an earlier match. Benin Republic, currently second after their 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, will play Nigeria in the final group game on 14th October.
Saturday’s victory came after a tough battle with Rwanda’s Amavubi. South Africa’s 3-0 win over Lesotho on Friday means Tuesday’s clash between Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein will be a crucial encounter.
The game at Toyota Stadium is expected to be intense, with both nations desperate to secure a place at the World Cup.
Victor Osimhen thought he had given Nigeria an early lead in the 8th minute but his strike was ruled offside. The striker, who scored twice against Rwanda six months ago in Kigali, later left the game with an injury.
Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali produced several fine saves, stopping efforts from Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi.
Nigeria’s breakthrough finally came six minutes into the second half. Arokodare, now playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers, fired home from close range after his initial effort was blocked. It was his second international goal.
The Eagles could have added more, but Cyriel Dessers delayed his shot from a good Iwobi pass, while Arokodare and Ndidi were denied again by Ntwali. The goalkeeper also tipped away a Moses Simon free-kick late in the game.
The Super Eagles will travel to Bloemfontein on Sunday for their crucial Matchday 8 clash with South Africa.