The Super Eagles edged past Rwanda in Uyo as Tolu Arokodare’s second-half goal proved decisive in a tense Matchday 7 encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria kept their qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday evening, thanks to a scrappy but vital goal from Tolu Arokodare. The Super Eagles created the better chances throughout but were made to work tirelessly against a well-organised Rwandan side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Pre-Match Talking Point: Troost-Ekong Benched
In a surprising tactical decision, head coach Eric Chelle named young defender Benjamin Fredricks in the starting XI, dropping captain William Troost-Ekong to the bench. The change raised eyebrows but highlighted Chelle’s intent to inject energy and pace into Nigeria’s backline.
Up front, Victor Osimhen led the line, supported by Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, with Alex Iwobi pulling strings in midfield.
First Half: Missed Chances and Injury Setback
Nigeria thought they had made the perfect start inside 10 minutes when Osimhen converted Lookman’s pass, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.
The game then threatened to boil over when Rwanda’s Innocent Nshuti and Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali clashed in the 24th minute, with both men shown yellow cards after an unnecessary altercation.
The Super Eagles dominated possession, forcing Fiacre Ntwari into key saves, first parrying away Moses Simon’s close-range effort, then blocking a drive from Lookman.
Nigeria were dealt a blow in the 31st minute as Osimhen struggled with a knock from an earlier challenge and was replaced by Cyril Dessers. Just minutes later, Iwobi’s dipping 20-yard strike tested Ntwari again, who tipped the ball over for a corner.
Rwanda tried punished Nigeria in first-half stoppage time via free-kick, but Nwabali clawed it away to keep the score level. The half ended goalless despite Nigeria’s territorial dominance.
Second Half: Arokodare Breaks the Deadlock
Coach Chelle introduced Tolu Arokodare for Frank Onyeka at the restart, and the forward quickly made his presence felt.
In the 49th minute, Lookman’s effort inside the box was accidentally blocked by Arokodare himself, but two minutes later, he made amends. A low cross from Bruno Onyemaechi caused chaos in Rwanda’s defence, with Ola Aina’s effort blocked before Arokodare bundled the ball over the line to hand Nigeria the breakthrough.
Super Eagles Push for More
Nigeria should have doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Moses Simon led a counterattack, but his low strike was saved by Ntwari. The rebound fell to Lookman, whose follow-up was also parried away brilliantly.
Another scare for Rwanda came in the 66th minute after a sloppy turnover in their own box, but Ntwari was alert again to deny a fierce strike on goal.
Rwanda’s best chance arrived in the 73rd minute from a corner, as a near-post flick nearly found a finish, only for Nwabali to gather safely.
Nervy Finale
Lookman won a dangerous free-kick in the 75th minute but was immediately substituted for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Simon’s subsequent effort from the set piece was tipped over by Ntwari, who kept Rwanda in the contest.
The visitors had a late effort from distance in the 85th minute, but Nwabali collected calmly.
To protect the slender lead, Chelle introduced Bright Osayi-Samuel for Aina and restored Troost-Ekong in defence, bringing him on for Dessers in the 87th minute. Nigeria held firm to secure a vital three points.
What the Result Means
The first home win moves Nigeria closer to the top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. With matches against South Africa and others still to come, the Super Eagles know that every point will prove crucial in their bid to secure a place at the finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
For Rwanda, the defeat dents their hopes of finishing among the group leaders, though they remain mathematically in the race.
Arokodare the Hero
On a night when Nigeria’s forwards struggled to convert chances, Tolu Arokodare’s instinctive strike made the difference. His goal underlined the depth of attacking options available to Chelle and may have earned him a bigger role in upcoming fixtures.
The Super Eagles will now shift focus to their next qualifier against Rwanda on September 9th, knowing consistency and sharper finishing will be key to reaching the World Cup.
