On Friday, March 21, 2025, Victor Osimhen, a 26-year-old forward currently on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, made headlines with his exceptional performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, leading Nigeria to a 2-0 victory against Rwanda in Kigali. Osimhen’s skills were on full display as he scored both goals, opening the scoring just 11 minutes into the match and cementing Nigeria's win with another goal just before half-time.
The first goal came after a beautifully taken free-kick by teammate Ademola Lookman, which sailed into the far post. Osimhen was quick to position himself, firing past Rwanda's goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. Then, just three minutes into added time at the end of the first half, Osimhen seized an opportunity, racing forward from just inside the Rwandan half, and effortlessly chipping the ball over Ntwari into the net.
In delightfully supportive fashion, Galatasaray took to social media to congratulate Osimhen on his remarkable feat. “Congratulations to our player Victor Osimhen who scored 2 goals against Rwanda in Group C of the 2026 World Cup CAF Qualifiers, leading his country Nigeria to victory! Congratulations, @victorosimhen9,” they tweeted. This recognition not only highlights Osimhen’s individual accolade, but also emphasizes his growing stature within the national team.
This brace against Rwanda also marked Osimhen's first goals in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, elevating him to second place on Nigeria's all-time top scorers list with a total of 25 goals from 37 appearances. He now sits just behind Rashidi Yekini, who leads with 37 goals in 58 matches. Osimhen surpassed the notable Segun Odegbami, who scored 23 goals in 46 games for Nigeria.
The resonance of this victory was palpable, as it lifted Nigeria to fourth place in a competitive Group C standings, pushing closer to qualifying for the World Cup. Following the match, new coach Eric Chelle expressed relief and pleasure with the result, acknowledging the importance of the victory as they now prepare to face the Warriors of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
On the same day, Chelsea Football Club captured headlines by rekindling their interest in Osimhen, who has demonstrated stellar performances both in club and international play. Reports from various outlets suggest that Chelsea, along with Arsenal and Manchester United, are considering a move for the young striker. Although all three clubs have shown keen interest, Osimhen is reportedly more inclined towards a move to London.
Rumors are swirling that Chelsea could be readying a bid around €75 million to secure Osimhen's services, reflecting his market value as one of the premier strikers in Europe. Chelsea's pursuit of the Nigerian forward ignites anticipation among fans, especially since they narrowly missed out on signing him the previous season. These developments come at a crucial juncture as the Super Eagles are set to compete against Zimbabwe, where the focus remains on maintaining momentum and achieving another victory.
As the Nigerian national team prepares to take on Zimbabwe, they face the daunting task of maintaining their form in the hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a goal that seems tangible now after their success against Rwanda. With Osimhen on the field and in top condition, the team is primed for another strong showing. Nigeria currently sits with six points in Group C, trailing behind South Africa and Benin, who hold significant leads. The significance of upcoming matches cannot be understated, as only nine group winners will earn direct spots to compete in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
The commitment shown by Victor Osimhen during the match against Rwanda should set a solid foundation for the team moving forward. As Osimhen’s goals prove integral not only to Nigeria's ambitions but also to enhancing his profile in European football, fans can only hope that he continues this form in the days leading up to the match against Zimbabwe. The road to the World Cup is long, filled with challenges, but with standout players like Osimhen, Nigerian fans have every reason to feel hopeful.
