A second-half goal from substitute Tolu Arokodare delivered a crucial 1-0 victory for Nigeria’s Super Eagles over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The narrow win significantly boosts Nigeria’s chances of advancing from Group C following a previously slow start to their campaign.
The decisive moment arrived in the 51st minute when Arokodare pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and slotted it home, sending the home supporters into a frenzy. His strike was the difference in a match that was tightly contested throughout. Despite dominating possession in the first half, the Super Eagles were frustrated by a resolute Rwandan defense, with efforts from Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon failing to break the deadlock.
The victory, however, was marred by a first-half injury to star striker Victor Osimhen, who was forced to limp off in the 36th minute with an ankle injury after a clash in the box. He is scheduled to undergo further assessment to determine the severity of the injury.
In the closing stages, Rwanda pushed forward aggressively in search of an equalizer, but Nigeria’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho made a series of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points. The result lifts Nigeria to fourth place in the Group C standings. Having now played seven games in the qualifiers, their record stands at two wins, four draws, and one loss, keeping their qualification hopes alive with three matches remaining.
Head coach Eric Chelle praised his team’s resilience and urged them to build on this positive result. The Super Eagles will now immediately shift their focus to their next pivotal qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.
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