2026 World Cup qualifiers: Bafana legend Hails Osimhen’s heroic display vs Rwanda

By Wale Mustapha

South African football icon Shaun Bartlett has praised Victor Osimhen’s stellar performance in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday, highlighting the striker’s clinical finishing and presence on the pitch.

Osimhen played a pivotal role in securing the Super Eagles’ crucial win in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Kigali, scoring both goals to propel Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the next World Cup.

The 26-year-old gave Nigeria the lead in the 11th minute, converting a cross from Ademola Lookman. He then doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, stealing the ball from Rwanda’s Thierry Manzi before running at goal and slotting it past goalkeeper Fabrice Ntwari.

Bartlett, a member of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, praised Osimhen for his all-around performance.

“It’s about scoring goals, being in the right position, and using his physicality,” Bartlett said during an appearance on SuperSport. “He can do it left, right—he’s a quality striker, that’s what it’s all about.”

Osimhen’s brace brought his tally to 25 goals for Nigeria, placing him second on the nation’s all-time top scorer list, behind Rashidi Yekini’s 37 goals.

The Galatasaray forward will be aiming to further add to his goal tally on Tuesday, when the Super Eagles face Zimbabwe in their next World Cup qualifier.