Free-scoring Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen scored twice on Friday to revive Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a crucial victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi.
Desperate for a win to salvage their qualification hopes in Group C, Nigeria finally secured their first victory after five matches, climbing to six points and moving up to fourth on the table.
Despite the presence of Rwandan President Paul Kagame in the stands, the Super Eagles silenced the home crowd early.
Osimhen struck in the 11th minute, capitalising on a perfect assist from Ademola Lookman to give Nigeria the lead.
His goal made history—he became the first Super Eagles striker to score in Rwanda in nearly two decades.
Moses Simon nearly doubled the lead before halftime, forcing a brilliant save from Rwanda’s goalkeeper.
Moments later, a last-ditch clearance from the hosts denied Osimhen a second, but the Eagles kept piling on the pressure.
Then, just before the halftime whistle, the Galatasaray striker delivered again. A well-placed header from Samuel Chukwueze found Osimhen, who expertly flicked the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to seal his brace and put Nigeria in firm control.
Rwanda fought back fiercely in the second half, bombarding the Nigerian defence, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stood tall to deny their best efforts.
The home side thought they had pulled one back in the 88th minute, but their goal was ruled out for offside.
Elsewhere in Group C, South Africa now sit atop the standings with 10 points after a 2-0 win over Lesotho, while Benin climbed to second with eight points following a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe. Rwanda, with seven points, dropped to third.
