Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda: Victor Osimhen’s Double Secures Vital World Cup Qualifying Victory for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles face a tough challenge in their bid to qualify for next summer’s World Cup. However, Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes were revived with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda on matchday five, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles were under immense pressure to secure all three points in Kigali on Friday afternoon, as they arrived at the Stade Amahoro sitting fifth in Group C—five points adrift of the automatic qualification spot—after failing to win any of their first four matches.
In addition, Nigeria hadn’t scored away against Rwanda in nearly two decades, adding extra weight to the match for new manager Eric Chelle. This was Chelle’s first game in charge since his appointment earlier in the year, replacing Augustine Eguavoen.
Chelle opted for a strong lineup, featuring several players with Premier League experience. Ola Aina started at left-back, Alex Iwobi paired with Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, and Calvin Bassey continued his partnership with captain and former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong in central defence.
The opening goal came from a combination involving a player expected to return to England this summer and another linked with a potential Premier League move. Ademola Lookman delivered a free-kick, and Victor Osimhen made a well-timed run to the back post, converting the cross with a close-range finish to open his account in World Cup qualification.
