The Super Eagles of Nigeria reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, courtesy of a brilliant brace from talismanic striker Victor Osimhen. Eric Chelle’s side, facing immense pressure to secure a win, delivered a disciplined, energetic performance to claim their first victory in Group C and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Tactical Setup and Early Breakthrough
Chelle fielded an attack-heavy 4-1-4-1 formation, packing the frontline with Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi. The Super Eagles struck early, with Lookman’s pinpoint delivery from a 12th-minute free-kick finding Osimhen at the far post. The Napoli striker made no mistake, stabbing the ball home to give Nigeria an early lead and settle nerves.
Osimhen, back in action after missing Nigeria’s last two qualifiers due to injury, continued to torment Rwanda’s defense. In the 25th minute, he forced a turnover, leading to a chance for Moses Simon, whose curling shot from the edge of the box was palmed away by the Rwandan goalkeeper – Fiacre Ntwari.
Rwanda Struggle to Respond
With the Super Eagles in control, Rwanda’s new head coach Adel Amrouche made an early tactical change, bringing on Gilbert Mugisha for Samuel Gueulette in the 38th minute. The substitution briefly sparked life into the hosts, but their only notable effort—a weak shot from Mugisha—was easily gathered by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Osimhen’s Second Stunner
Nigeria’s relentless pressure paid off again in first-half stoppage time. Samuel Chukwueze won a 50-50 aerial duel, and the loose ball fell to Osimhen, whose exquisite first touch set him free. With calm precision, he lobbed the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to double Nigeria’s lead, sending the Super Eagles into halftime firmly in control.
Second-Half Dominance and Tactical Adjustments
Nigeria resumed the second half with the same attacking intensity, nearly adding a third goal when Bright Osayi-Samuel forced a sharp save with a left-footed strike in the 51st minute. Chelle then opted to tighten things up, switching to a 4-3-3 and making key substitutions—Raphael Onyedika replaced Chukwueze, while Bruno Onyemaechi came on for Ola Aina.
Osimhen had a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 76th minute after a loose ball fell kindly for him in the box, but his hurried effort blazed over the bar. His stellar contribution ended shortly after as he was substituted for Tolu Arokodare, receiving a standing ovation from the Nigerian fans. Alhassan Yusuf also came on to replace Osayi-Samuel, further solidifying the midfield.
Comfort and Memorable Victory
Despite a late disallowed goal for offside by Rwanda, Nigeria comfortably saw out the match, controlling possession and dictating the tempo to secure the win. The victory marked the Super Eagles’ first-ever triumph on Rwandan soil, ending a 20-year winless streak in Kigali.
Mission Kigali done. Onto the Next One 🇳🇬 🦅 pic.twitter.com/MfVhxfnrJc
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 21, 2025What’s Next?
With this crucial victory, Nigeria climbs to six points, just four points behind Group C leaders South Africa, who defeated Lesotho 2-0 in another fixture. The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to a Matchday 6 showdown against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Zimbabwe, fresh off a dramatic 2-2 draw with Benin, will be no pushovers.
As Nigeria aims to maintain momentum and keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive, all eyes will be on Uyo for what promises to be another high-stakes encounter.
