A single strike from Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare proved decisive as the Super Eagles edged Rwanda 1-0 in a must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier, keeping alive Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot at the tournament.
Arokodare’s well-taken effort in the 51st minute sealed Nigeria’s second victory of the qualification campaign, pushing them into second place in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa, who they face in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles entered the tie under pressure after a slow start in the qualifiers, having drawn their opening four matches before Eric Chelle took charge in January. The Malian coach looked set for a perfect start, but a late equaliser against Zimbabwe meant his team managed four points from his first two fixtures.
Against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to make their superiority count. Victor Osimhen thought he had given the hosts an early lead in the eighth minute, only for his strike to be ruled offside. Minutes later, the Napoli forward was forced off injured after a heavy challenge, with Panathinaikos striker Cyril Dessers coming on as his replacement.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi came close with a powerful long-range effort, but Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari tipped it wide. Nigeria continued to push but met stiff resistance from the well-organised Amavubis, who sat deep and absorbed the pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived early in the second half. Introduced at the restart, Arokodare made an immediate impact when he volleyed home from close range after Ntwari had parried Ademola Lookman’s strike. The towering forward’s goal proved to be the difference in a tense encounter.
Ntwari remained impressive, denying Moses Simon and Lookman with a superb double save to keep Rwanda in the contest. The visitors nearly snatched a late equaliser, but Calvin Bassey made a crucial block before goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali reacted swiftly to stop the rebound.
Nigeria held firm through stoppage time to secure a vital three points that revive their campaign. With three matches remaining, including Tuesday’s crunch tie in Bloemfontein, the Super Eagles must win consistently to have any realistic chance of automatic qualification.
Nigeria could also benefit if FIFA deducts three points from South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March 2025. That ruling is still pending. Alternatively, finishing among the top four second-placed teams could offer Nigeria a lifeline, with one team advancing to an intercontinental play-off.
The Super Eagles are eager to avoid a repeat of 2022, when they missed out on the World Cup in Qatar after losing to Ghana on the away goals rule.
What You Should Know
Tolu Arokodare’s decisive strike not only handed Nigeria a much-needed win but also kept alive faint hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles now face a defining clash against group leaders South Africa, a fixture that could determine their path to the tournament. With FIFA’s pending verdict on South Africa’s eligibility case and three matches left, Nigeria’s qualification chances remain alive but precarious.
