Nigeria's Super Eagles redeemed themselves in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a decisive 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21, 2025. The win marks a turning point for Nigeria, who previously found themselves languishing at the bottom of Group C after failing to win any of their first four matches.
In a match where the stakes were undeniably high, Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen scored both goals, helping his team to secure their first win in the qualifiers. The 11th-minute opener came from a well-placed free-kick delivered by Ademola Lookman, which Osimhen met with a volley that left Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari with no chance.
The Nigerian forward doubled the lead just before half-time, charging through the Rwandan defense to convert a tidy finish over Ntwari again, making it 2-0 just as the match was approaching the break. This performance by Osimhen, now with 25 international goals, was celebrated as a triumphant return following an injury that kept him out of earlier matches in the qualifying round.
Newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle expressed optimism following the victory. "We're ready. We have to focus on our game; we have a great squad. We have to work hard," Chelle declared. This was his first match in charge of Nigeria, and it could not have gone better, reinstating confidence in a team that had struggled recently.
Rwanda, on the other hand, despite a strong start to their qualifying campaign, saw their position slip as they were unable to rise to the challenge presented by Nigeria’s attacking prowess. Having secured seven points prior to this match, they now find themselves needing to regroup before their next fixture.
The Super Eagles, coming into this match with just three points from four games, achieved a vital win to lift them to four points in the group but remain four points behind the leaders, South Africa. The chances of automatic qualification to the World Cup hinge on their upcoming performances, notably against bottom-placed Zimbabwe, whom they will host next.
Nigeria dominated the match, with moments of concern for their defense but overall kept Rwanda at bay. The Rwandan side, while displaying moments of tenacity, lacked the finishing touch that would have enabled them to challenge Nigeria significantly. They made several substitutions in an attempt to regain control but failed to capitalize on some late opportunities, including a disallowed goal for offside in the dying moments.
Fellow striker Moses Simon also made notable contributions, with a striking shot denied by a fantastic save from Ntwari that kept Rwanda in the game until the latter stages. However, it simply wasn't enough to turn the tide in their favor.
Nigeria’s veteran players stepped up, with players like William Troost-Ekong and Wilfred Ndidi providing stability and experience to a team in transition. Their cohesion during this match was evident as they effectively thwarted Rwanda's attempts to build any substantial attacking momentum.
Eric Chelle issued confidence-building remarks about the team's potential following the match, reinforcing a collective focus on improvement and perseverance. This victory not only boosts morale but signals a reinvigorated approach to their qualifying path.
"We've already played Nigeria twice. There's nothing to worry about, as they have the strongest offensive line in Africa," remarked Rwandan midfielder Djihad Bizimana before the match, acknowledging the challenge his side faced.
Looking ahead, both teams have critical matches scheduled that will greatly influence their World Cup qualification trajectories. Nigeria will aim to build on this momentum and further close the gap on the leaders, while Rwanda must reassess their strategy to take points in the upcoming fixtures to safeguard their position in the group.
The outcome of this match has sent a clear message: Nigeria is back in the hunt for World Cup qualification, and their focus on both tactical play and player fitness will be pivotal as they continue their journey forward.
