Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a much-needed victory on Saturday, defeating Rwanda 1–0 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The decisive moment came in the 51st minute when striker Tolu Arokodare pounced on a loose ball inside the box, calmly slotting past the Rwandan goalkeeper to hand Nigeria all three points.

The first half had ended goalless, with both sides adopting a cautious approach. Nigeria controlled possession but struggled to break down Rwanda’s disciplined defense. The visitors, meanwhile, looked threatening on the counter, forcing the Super Eagles to remain alert at the back.

Nigeria were dealt an early setback when Victor Osimhen, the team’s talisman, limped off injured in the first half. He was replaced by Cyril Dessers, but the Super Eagles rallied together to maintain pressure on their opponents.

Defensively, Nigeria held firm with Calvin Bassey leading from the back. Rwanda attempted tactical adjustments in the second half but failed to find a breakthrough as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained largely untroubled.

The win lifts Nigeria to 10 points from seven matches, moving them up in Group C of the African qualifiers, while Rwanda stay on 8 points. The group remains fiercely contested, with South Africa and Benin also in the race for the top spot.

On social media, fans praised the Super Eagles’ resilience and Arokodare’s decisive contribution, though concern mounted over Osimhen’s fitness ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will aim to build on this momentum in their next qualifiers as they continue their push to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.