In a closely contested 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a vital 1-0 victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi on Saturday, thanks to a decisive strike from Tolu Arokodare.
The lone goal of the match, which came in the 50th minute, proved enough to earn Nigeria another three points in Group C, keeping their qualification ambitions firmly alive and maintaining momentum ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Arokodare, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by breaking the deadlock shortly after entering the field. His timely strike was a result of excellent positioning and composure in front of goal, proving the difference between the two sides in a match where both teams had moments of dominance.
Nigeria’s starting forward, Victor Osimhen, who had led the attack initially, was forced to withdraw from the game after picking up a knock. His substitution allowed Arokodare the opportunity to make a decisive contribution, showcasing the squad’s depth and readiness to adapt in key moments.
With this victory, the Super Eagles climbed to 10 points from seven matches in Group C, closing in on the group leaders, South Africa, who have accumulated 16 points, and Benin Republic, who sit on 11 points. Rwanda remains on eight points, facing an uphill battle to improve their position in the group standings.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will travel to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a pivotal away encounter on Tuesday. The result of that match could significantly influence the standings in Group C and Nigeria’s chances of securing a berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it a fixture of utmost importance for the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign.