Deborah Akinyosoye
Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, strengthening their bid to remain in contention for the continental finals.
The only goal of the match came shortly after the interval when Tolu Arokodare converted a precise pass from Ola Aina, putting the Super Eagles ahead in the 51st minute. The goal followed a string of attacking moves from Nigeria, and there was no intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), allowing the goal to stand.
Rwanda pressed for an equaliser throughout the second half, creating multiple scoring opportunities, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was decisive, making several crucial saves, including a notable stop from a header following a corner kick. Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Ntwari Fiacre, was also tested, particularly by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman, but managed to maintain his team’s deficit at a single goal.
Nigeria made tactical changes during the match, bringing on Tolu Arokodare for Onyeka at the start of the second half and introducing Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Ademola Lookman in the 75th minute. Rwanda also utilised substitutions in their pursuit of a goal, with Kwezera and others entering the fray.
The Super Eagles controlled possession for much of the encounter, employing coordinated midfield play from Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka. Defensive organisation from Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey limited Rwanda’s clear-cut chances, while Bassey and Igoh Ogbu were instrumental in clearing the ball from threatening positions.
The victory was crucial for Nigeria, who currently occupy fourth place in Group C with seven points, while Rwanda remain second with eight points. South Africa lead the group on sixteen points. Only the nine group winners and a tenth team via intercontinental playoff will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side now face an important fixture against South Africa in Bloemfontein, with maximum points required to maintain a realistic chance of qualification. The match in Uyo showcased the intensity of Group C, where Rwanda, Benin, and Zimbabwe remain capable of challenging for top positions.
The Super Eagles will need to maintain this form and secure further points in their upcoming matches to keep their World Cup ambitions alive, with the competition in Group C remaining tightly contested.