Rwanda 2-0 Nigeria: Osimhen’s brace reawakens Super Eagles World Cup qualification hopes

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

After four games without a win, Nigeria’s senior men’s national team finally secured a win over Rwanda in Matchday five of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Stade Amahoro, Kigali on Friday.

A first half brace from Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen propelled the Super Eagles to their first win of the campaign.

He was at the end of Ademola Lookman’s free kick to convert a volley in the 11th minute.

In the additional minutes of the first half, Samuel Chukwueze set him up before the former Lille forward raced into the opponents penalty area and lofted the ball over the goalkeeper into the back of the net.

The goals increased Osimhen’s tally to 25 in the colours of the three time African champions.

Efforts from the host to pull a goal back were abortive as Super Eagles picked their first win in Kigali in decades.

It was a historic maiden match for Nigeria’s new coach, Eric Chelle and the team’s first match in 2025.

They moved to the fourth position on the six team Group C log with six points from five games.

South Africa top the log with 10 points ahead of Benin Republic (eight points), Rwanda (seven points), and Lesotho (five points).

Nigeria’s next opponents, Zimbabwe occupy the bottom of the table with three points.

On March 25, 2025, Chelle’s side will face Zimbabwe in their next game in Uyo.