National Teams
FIFA, CAF celebrate Victor Osimhen’s brilliant brace against Rwanda
By Monsurah Olatunji
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) joined millions of Nigerians and football fans worldwide in celebrating Victor Osimhen after his stellar brace for the Super Eagles in their 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Osimhen, playing his first match of the qualifiers, led Nigeria to their crucial first win in the campaign, scoring both goals. The first breakthrough came in the 11th minute, when Ademola Lookman delivered a perfectly placed free-kick into the box. Osimhen, unmarked, smashed the ball in from close range to give Nigeria the lead.
The pair of Osimhen, the 2022/23 African Player of the Year, and Lookman, the 2023/24 recipient, showed why they are two of Africa’s finest players.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) was quick to acknowledge the duo’s brilliance, taking to Instagram to share a lighthearted yet fitting caption:
“Nothing to see here, just your last 2 African Player of the Year winners.”
Osimhen wasn’t done after the opening goal; he doubled his tally with a composed finish in first-half stoppage time. Samuel Chukwueze set him up with a clever through ball, and Osimhen sprinted clear of the defense before calmly chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, Fabrice Ntwari.
FIFA, too, was quick to salute Osimhen’s performance. The global football governing body shared a post on social media featuring the Nigerian flag, two ball emojis to represent his goals, and tagged Osimhen’s name to celebrate the forward’s impact on the game:
“🇳🇬⚽️⚽️ Osimhen”
Following his match-winning performance, Osimhen basked in the praise from fans and football bodies alike.
The victory over Rwanda saw Nigeria move up to fourth place in Group C, with six points from five matches, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
As the qualifying rounds progress, the winners of CAF’s nine groups will secure automatic spots for the 2026 World Cup, with the four best runners-up entering the inter-confederation playoff route.
