Nigeria Edge Rwanda 1-0 in World Cup Qualifier

UYO, Nigeria – The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday evening.

Although it wasn’t the most fluent performance from the three-time African champions, they earned a deserved win that keeps them firmly in the qualification race.

Nigeria now sit third in the group with eight points six behind leaders South Africa and just one adrift of second-placed Benin.

For Rwanda, the defeat was their third of the campaign, dropping them to fourth place, two points behind Nigeria.

Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Rwandan defense in the opening half. The hosts thought they had gone ahead in the 8th minute when Victor Osimhen tapped home from close range after a dangerous cross-shot from Ademola Lookman. However, the goal was controversially ruled out for offside.

Worryingly for Nigeria, Osimhen was forced off with an apparent injury just after the half-hour mark, potentially putting his availability for the upcoming clash against South Africa in doubt. He was replaced by Cyriel Dessers in the 35th minute.

Alex Iwobi then tested Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari with a long-range effort, which was tipped over the bar in what proved to be the only notable save of the first half.

Jose Peseiro made an attacking change at the break, introducing Toluwalase Arokodare for Frank Onyeka. The forward added much-needed physicality and was rewarded six minutes after the restart, scrambling home a loose ball on the goal line after a scuffed effort from Ola Aina.

Ntwari kept Rwanda in the game with a brilliant double save in the 62nd minute, denying both Moses Simon and Lookman in quick succession.

The Amavubi showed more intent in the final 20 minutes and forced Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into action, but he dealt comfortably with Rwanda’s late threats to preserve the clean sheet.

Nigeria will travel to Bloemfontein to face group leaders South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, in what promises to be a crucial tie in the qualification race. Rwanda, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Zimbabwe in Johannesburg on the same day.