Victor Osimhen scored a first-half brace to lead Nigeria to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The win marks the Super Eagles’ first victory in the qualifiers and a strong start for new head coach Eric Chelle.
Chelle, overseeing his first game in charge, set up his team in an attacking formation featuring Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze, with Alex Iwobi providing support in midfield.
The strategy paid off early, as Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.
Osimhen Delivers Early Blow
goalkeeper for his second goal in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Rwanda and Nigeria. Photo | NFF
Nigeria took the lead when Lookman’s well-placed free-kick was converted by Osimhen, showcasing the attacking duo’s chemistry.
The Super Eagles continued to press forward, creating multiple chances, but they struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
Simon came close to doubling Nigeria’s advantage with a deflected shot, but Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, made an impressive save, tipping the ball over for a corner.
The hosts eventually settled into the game and had their first real chance in the 39th minute through Gilber Mugisha’s long-range effort, but Stanley Nwabali comfortably dealt with the strike.
Despite Rwanda’s growing confidence, Nigeria doubled their advantage just before halftime in 45+3 minutes. Bright Osayi-Samuel’s header from midfield found Osimhen, who outpaced a defender before lifting a delightful chip over Ntwari to seal his brace.
Rwanda pushed for a response after the break, but Nigeria’s defense held firm. Nwabali remained composed between the sticks, while last-ditch defending and Rwanda’s lack of precision in the final third kept the hosts from making a breakthrough.
The Wasps thought they had pulled a goal back late in the second half, but the effort was ruled out for offside, preserving Nigeria’s clean sheet.
Historic Win and Group Standings
This victory marks Nigeria’s first-ever away win against Rwanda and also serves as revenge for the shocking 2-1 loss they suffered against the Wasps during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in Uyo.
Chelle’s men saw out the remainder of the match professionally, securing their first win in the World Cup qualifiers and lifting them to fourth place in Group C with six points from five matches.
Up Next
Nigeria will now shift focus to their next qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
Current Group C Standings:
1. South Africa – 10 points
2. Benin – 8 points
3. Rwanda – 7 points
4. Nigeria – 6 points
5. Lesotho – 3 points
6. Zimbabwe – 2 points
