Nigeria edge Rwanda 1-0 to keep 2026 World Cup qualification alive

A brilliant strike from Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare was enough to give the Super Eagles a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, keeping Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the competition alive.

Arokodare’s acrobatic finish in the 51st minute sealed Nigeria’s second win in the qualifiers, lifting them to second place in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa, whom they face in a decisive clash on Tuesday.

Nigeria came into the match under pressure, having drawn their first four games before Malian coach Eric Chelle’s appointment in January. Although Chelle’s men had hoped for back-to-back wins, a late equaliser from Zimbabwe in their last outing meant they entered this tie needing a vital win to revive their campaign.

The Super Eagles dominated early proceedings, with Victor Osimhen finding the net in the eighth minute only for his effort to be ruled offside. The Galatasaray striker was later forced off injured in the 33rd minute and replaced by Cyril Dessers. Alex Iwobi’s powerful long-range shot soon after was superbly denied by Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who put in a stellar performance throughout the match.

Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off shortly after the restart when Ademola Lookman’s shot was parried by Ntwari, leaving Arokodare to pounce and volley home from close range. Despite continued pressure from the hosts, Ntwari produced a string of saves to keep Rwanda in the game, while Calvin Bassey and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made vital interventions late on to preserve Nigeria’s lead.

With three matches left in the qualification series, Nigeria faces a must-win fixture against South Africa in Bloemfontein. The Super Eagles are also keeping an eye on FIFA’s pending decision over South Africa’s alleged fielding of an ineligible player against Lesotho, a ruling that could impact the standings.

Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 World Cup after a dramatic play-off loss to Ghana, must now string together crucial victories or finish as one of the best second-placed teams to secure a shot at an intercontinental play-off.