Nigeria’s Super Eagles finally got their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday. The star of the night was Victor Osimhen, whose brace secured Nigeria’s first win in Group C after a shaky start to the qualifiers.
After missing the previous qualifiers due to injury, Osimhen wasted no time making his mark on his return. The Super Eagles had drawn all three of their previous visits to Rwanda, but this time, they were determined to change that narrative.
Their early dominance paid off in the 11th minute when Osimhen capitalized on an Ademola Lookman set-piece, smashing the ball home to give Nigeria the lead. Just a minute later, a Rwandan defender nearly gifted the Super Eagles a second goal, as his attempted clearance of Osimhen’s cross narrowly missed the net.
As the first half drew to a close, Osimhen struck again. In the 45th minute, he pounced on a loose ball after Samuel Chukwueze’s header, dribbled past a defender, and coolly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to double Nigeria’s advantage.
Rwanda thought they had pulled one back in the 89th minute, but their goal was ruled out for offside, ensuring Nigeria’s clean sheet remained intact.
The win moves Nigeria up to fourth place in Group C with six points, four behind new group leaders South Africa, who defeated Lesotho 2-0. Benin Republic sits second with eight points after their 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe, while Rwanda is third with seven points.
Up next for the Super Eagles is a crucial home fixture against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 25, in Uyo. With momentum on their side, Nigeria will be looking to build on this victory and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
