Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday. A second half goal from substitute Tolu Arokodare, moved the Super Eagles up to third on the standings, closing the gap to South Africa to six points with three rounds of matches remaining.
How the Game Unfolded
Nigeria headed into the clash as massive favorites and needed a big result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. New Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare netted the only goal of the game to give them a narrow win, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against South Africa.
First half
Nigeria began on a strong foot and thought they scored the opener in the eighth minute through Victor Osimhen, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside by the assistant referee. Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari tipped over an effort from Alex Iwobi, before the Super Eagles were forced into an early substitution with an injury to Victor Osimhen, who was replaced by Cyriel Dessers. The half ended goalless with no further goalmouth actions.
Second half
Tolu Arokodare replaced Frank Onyeka for Nigeria and broke the deadlock few minutes after coming on. His initial effort was blocked before he got on the end of a fortunate rebound and fired in via the crossbar to put Nigerian in the lead. Ntwari produced a superb double save to deny Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Nigeria, who now move up to third with nine points.
Nigeria Player Ratings
- GK: Stanley Nwabali – 6.5/10
- RB: Ola Aina – 7/10
- LB: Bruno Onyemaechi – 7/10
- CB: Calvin Bassey – 7.5/10
- CB: Benjamin Fredrick – 7.5/10
- DM: Wilfried Ndidi – 7/10
- CM: Frank Onyeka – 5/10
- AM: Alex Iwobi – 6/10
- LW: Ademola Lookman – 6/10
- RW: Moses Simon – 6/10
- ST: Victor Osimhen – 6/10
Substitutes
- ST: Cyriel Dessers – 6/10
- ST: Tolu Arokodare – 8/10
- CM: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6/10
The Stats
- Possession: Nigeria 60% – Rwanda 40%
- Shots: Nigeria 12 – Rwanda 4
- Shots on target: Nigeria 8 – Rwanda 3
- Corners: Nigeria 4 – Rwanda 1
Man of the Match
Tolu Arokodare – The striker came on as a second half substitute and scored the only goal of the match, showing his predatory instincts inside the box.
What Next?
Nigeria head to South Africa for a must-win clash on Tuesday, while Rwanda face Zimbabwe away on the same day.
