Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles overcame Rwanda 2-0 on Friday, reviving
their hopes of qualifying for the international tournament.
The Super Eagles earned their first victory and three points in the qualifiers thanks to a brace from the Galatasaray
striker in the first half.
The goals from the Galatasaray of Turkey star came in the first half’s eleventh minute and the third minute of extra
time. His first was a pleasure, beating the goalie with his right foot after connecting with an in-swinging free freekick
from Ademola Lookman, the current African Footballer of the Year.
After winning the ball from the centre of the field, the striker proceeded all the way to chip the ball over the Rwandan
goalkeeper’s head, setting up the second goal.
The victory moved Nigeria from 5th to 4th on the table with 6 points, one point behind Rwanda on 7 points, 2 points
behind second-placed Benin Republic and 4 points behind leaders South Africa, who are on 10 points.
The Super Eagles still have a difficult road ahead of them in order to guarantee an automatic spot in the 2026 World
Cup, according to the Group C table, but their match against Rwanda is a positive beginning for new coach Eric
Chelle.
Osimhen and Lookman, two of the Malian’s best attackers, led the forward line, with Samuel Chukwueze and Moses
Simon in support.
In Kigali, the three-time African champions were led by Alex Iwobi of Fulham and Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City.
Troost Ekong and Calvin Bassey collaborated in the centre of Nigeria’s defence while in safe hands. Bright Osayi-
Samuel completed the first eleven, while Stanley Nwabali manned the post for Chelle’s team.
In an attempt to move up the table, Nigeria will host Zimbabwe on Tuesday at Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in
South-South Nigeria.
