Arokodare’s acrobatic effort earned Nigeria a crucial 1–0 victory over Rwanda, helping the Super Eagles leapfrog their opponents to second position in Group C. They remain six points behind group leaders South Africa, whom they face on Tuesday in a vital qualifier.
A lone strike from Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare was all Nigeria needed to see off a resilient Rwandan side in this key 2026 World Cup qualifier, keeping their slim hopes of reaching the tournament alive.
The defining moment came in the 51st minute when Arokodare, introduced at halftime, executed an acrobatic volley from the turf to put Nigeria ahead. This goal secured Nigeria their second win in the qualification series and moved them above Rwanda in the standings, trailing South Africa by six points.
Nigeria arrived at the match needing a victory to revive their faltering campaign after a poor start. The team had drawn their first four qualifiers until the appointment of new coach Eric Chelle in January. Under the Malian’s leadership, Nigeria appeared on course to collect all six points in his first two matches, but a late equalizer at home to Zimbabwe meant they only managed four points from those games.
At the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, the Super Eagles dominated possession and chances but struggled to break down a disciplined Rwandan defense. Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray thought he had given Nigeria the lead in the eighth minute when he found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Osimhen was substituted in the 33rd minute after sustaining a knock, replaced by Cyril Dessers from Panathinaikos.
Shortly after, Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi’s long-range shot was brilliantly saved by Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who proved a tough barrier throughout the game.
Super Eagles Cling to Qualification Hopes Ahead of South Africa Showdown
Despite Nigeria’s dominance, the Rwandan team absorbed the pressure well, adopting a defensive strategy aimed at frustrating the home side. However, Nigeria’s persistence paid off early in the second half. After Ntwari blocked an attempt from reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, the rebound fell to Arokodare, who bundled the ball into the near post to give Nigeria the lead.
Though Nigeria could have extended their lead, Ntwari remained impressive, making key saves later in the match to deny Moses Simon and Lookman. The Super Eagles faced a late scare when defender Calvin Bassey blocked a close-range header and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved the follow-up attempt, preserving the narrow lead.
Nigeria held on through three minutes of added time to grind out a vital victory, keeping their faint hopes alive ahead of the crucial trip to South Africa.
With just three matches remaining in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Tuesday’s encounter in Bloemfontein against South Africa is a must-win for Nigeria if they want any realistic chance of securing one of Africa’s automatic qualification spots.
Additionally, Nigeria will be watching the ongoing FIFA investigation closely, hoping for a three-point deduction from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during their March 2025 clash with Lesotho. No decision has been made yet.
The Super Eagles could also qualify if they finish as one of the best four second-placed teams in the qualifiers. This would see them enter an intercontinental play-off, keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
Nigeria missed out on the last World Cup in Qatar, losing out to rivals Ghana on away goals in the play-off. This time, the stakes are higher, and the Super Eagles know every point counts.
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