2026 WCQ Rwanda 0 Nigeria 2: Osimhen's brace fires Super Eagles to victory over Wasps in Kigali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a crucial victory in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with star striker Victor Osimhen delivering a stunning brace to seal the win.

The match, played in a charged atmosphere, saw Nigeria dominate proceedings, with Osimhen proving to be the difference-maker.

Nigeria wasted no time asserting their authority, with Osimhen breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute. 

WAdemola Lookman, whose deliveries were a constant threat throughout the match, provided a perfectly weighted cross to the back post, where Osimhen rose highest to nod home. 

The Napoli loanee’s clinical finish gave the Super Eagles a dream start and put Rwanda on the back foot.

Despite Nigeria’s early lead, Rwanda showed resilience and began growing into the game. 

A brief spell of attacking intent saw them enter Nigeria’s defensive third, but the defensive duo of William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey ensured that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained largely untroubled.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Osimhen once again stole the show. 

In stoppage time, the striker pressed high to win possession before racing through on goal. 

Faced with an onrushing Ntwari Fiacre in Rwanda’s goal, Osimhen displayed supreme confidence, delicately dinking the ball over the goalkeeper to double Nigeria’s lead. 

The goal highlighted his composure and ruthless finishing ability, sending the Super Eagles into the break with a comfortable advantage.

Nigeria continued to control the match in the second half, but occasional lapses in concentration crept into their play.

Sloppy passing from Osimhen and Troost-Ekong in the 62nd minute provided Rwanda with a glimmer of hope, but their lone striker, Ernest Nshuti, struggled against the physicality of Nigeria’s defenders.

Lookman, whose influence grew as the match progressed, found himself in a dangerous position in the 56th minute, but Rwanda’s defense managed to crowd him out at the last moment. 

Nigeria’s tactical reshuffle in the 68th minute saw Alex Iwobi push further forward, while Moses Simon switched flanks, adding a new dynamic to their attacking play.

Osimhen had a golden chance to complete his hat-trick in the 77th minute when an advantage played by the referee set him up for a third goal. 

However, he failed to connect properly with a wild swing, missing the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt. 

That moment marked his final contribution before being substituted for Tolu Arokodare. Bright Osayi-Samuel also made way for Alhassan Yusuf as Nigeria looked to see out the game.

The closing moments of the game saw Rwanda pushing for a late comeback. 

In the 88th minute, they thought they had pulled a goal back when they found the net, but their celebrations were short-lived as the referee ruled it out for offside. 

The decision ensured Nigeria maintained their clean sheet and saw out a well-earned victory.

With this win, Nigeria takes a crucial step towards securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Osimhen’s two-goal heroics reaffirmed his status as the team’s talisman, while Lookman’s creativity and Nwabali’s solid goalkeeping added to the Super Eagles’ strong performance.

The victory will boost Nigeria’s confidence as they prepare for their next qualifier, with Osimhen undoubtedly remaining central to their World Cup ambitions.

Nigeria will host Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

Kenneth Afor

Photo Credit: ferwafa.rw

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