Nigeria boosted her hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Rwanda 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Tolu Arokodare scored the only goal in the 51st minute, giving the Super Eagles three vital points and moving them to 10 points in the group. Despite the win, Nigeria remains in third place, six points behind leaders South Africa.
There is still a twist in the race, as South Africa could lose three points and three goals over the use of an ineligible player in a previous game. Benin Republic, who sit second after defeating Zimbabwe 1-0 on Friday, will face Nigeria on 14 October in what could be a decisive clash.
The Eagles’ victory over Rwanda followed a tough contest. Victor Osimhen thought he had put Nigeria ahead in the 8th minute, but his strike was ruled offside. The striker, who scored twice against the same opposition in Kigali six months ago, later left the game injured.
Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali was outstanding, making several key saves from Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi. But six minutes into the second half, Arokodare broke the deadlock after his first effort was blocked. He reacted quickly to score his second international goal.
Cyriel Dessers, Arokodare and Ndidi all went close to extending the lead, but Ntwali denied them again and again. Simon’s powerful free-kick late in the game was also brilliantly stopped by the Rwandan goalkeeper.
Nigeria will now head to Bloemfontein for a crucial match against South Africa on Tuesday. With both teams pushing for a place at the World Cup, the clash at the Toyota Stadium promises to be a fiery battle.
