Nigeria edge Rwanda to keep World Cup hopes alive
Tolu Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Gent in a £24m deal this month

Nigeria edge Rwanda to keep World Cup hopes alive

Nigeria Keep World Cup Dream Alive with Gritty Win Over Rwanda

Nigeria reignited their bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification with a nervy 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, thanks to substitute Tolu Arokodare’s second-half goal.

The Super Eagles now move up to third place in Group C, overtaking Rwanda and staying six points behind group leaders South Africa. With only the group winners guaranteed qualification, Nigeria’s upcoming showdown against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday (16:00 GMT) will likely define their path to the finals.

Arokodare, the newly signed Wolves striker, made the most of his opportunity after replacing injured star Victor Osimhen. The 23-year-old tapped in from close range in the 51st minute after a chaotic sequence inside Rwanda’s penalty box.

Arokodare Steps Up as Osimhen Exits Early

Nigeria’s attacking plans took an early blow when Victor Osimhen limped off in the 34th minute with a lower leg injury. The Napoli forward had a goal ruled out for offside just minutes earlier.

In his absence, Nigeria struggled to break down a disciplined Rwandan defense, with Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi denied by goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Arokodare’s introduction at half-time immediately gave the hosts more presence in attack. After a blocked initial effort and a fumbled shot by Ademola Lookman, Arokodare was quick to pounce and fire the loose ball into the roof of the net from two yards out.

Nigeria Hold On Amid Late Rwanda Pressure

Despite having chances to extend their lead, the Super Eagles had to remain alert late in the game. Ntwari produced a brilliant double save to deny Simon and Lookman, while defender Calvin Bassey made a crucial block on a Rwandan header in the final moments.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali calmly collected the rebound before Nigeria saw out three tense minutes of added time to secure a vital three points.

Qualification Scenarios: South Africa Clash Looms

With only three qualifying rounds remaining, Nigeria must likely defeat South Africa to stand a realistic chance of topping the group. There is also hope that South Africa could be docked points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March — a case still pending FIFA’s ruling.

If Nigeria finish second, they could still reach the final African play-offs and then an intercontinental qualifier.

For now, the Super Eagles’ campaign remains alive, and Arokodare has made a compelling case to lead the line in their biggest test yet — a high-stakes trip to South Africa without their injured talisman.

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