Sports
Nigeria defeat Rwanda 1- 0 to keep 2026 World Cup hopes alive
Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles entered the game under pressure, sitting fourth in the group with seven points, nine behind leaders South Africa. Their task was made harder when star striker Victor Osimhen was forced off early through injury.
Despite dominating possession, Nigeria couldn’t find a breakthrough in the first half, which ended goalless. But just six minutes after the restart, debutant Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare delivered the decisive moment, scoring in the 51st minute to give the hosts the lead.
Nigeria held firm under late pressure from Rwanda to secure all three points. The result lifts the Super Eagles into third place, reigniting their push for qualification.
Their next test comes in just three days’ time, when they face group leaders South Africa in what promises to be a pivotal clash in their campaign.