Nigeria achieved a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen scoring both goals. This victory marked Nigeria’s first win in the qualification campaign, moving them to fourth place in Group C. The match, managed by Eric Chelle, showcased a strong lineup, revitalizing Nigeria’s prospects for qualification.
Nigeria’s quest for the 2026 World Cup qualification has gained momentum following a significant 2-0 victory over Rwanda. Victor Osimhen excelled in this match, scoring both goals, thus revitalizing the Super Eagles’ prospects in Group C. The team entered the match under considerable stress, having failed to secure a win in their first four qualification games, leaving them in fifth place, five points adrift of an automatic qualification spot.
The pressure intensified as Nigeria had not scored away against Rwanda in nearly two decades, making this match crucial for newly appointed manager Eric Chelle, who took over from Augustine Eguavoen at the start of the year. Chelle fielded a robust lineup, including players with Premier League experience such as Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Calvin Bassey, solidifying a strong defense alongside captain William Troost-Ekong.
The first goal emerged from a well-placed free-kick by Ademola Lookman, allowing Osimhen to capitalize with a close-range finish, marking his inaugural goal in the World Cup qualifying series. Nigeria maintained dominance throughout the match, with Troost-Ekong missing a couple of opportunities from corners and Moses Simon narrowly denied by Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari’s excellent reflex save.
Just before halftime, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead, showcasing his skill by intercepting the ball and executing a delicate lob over Ntwari, leaving Rwanda facing an uphill battle in the second half. Unlike their previous encounter in November, where Rwanda triumphed, Nigeria controlled the match without difficulty, securing their first points in this qualification campaign.
With this victory, and in light of South Africa’s win over Lesotho, Rwanda has fallen to third place in the group. Conversely, the Super Eagles have ascended to fourth, just one point shy of their opponents, as they gear up for a crucial match against Zimbabwe next week.
In summary, Nigeria’s 2-0 victory against Rwanda has significantly advanced their World Cup qualification ambitions, led by Victor Osimhen’s outstanding performance. The win not only marks their first of the campaign but also propels them closer to the qualifying positions. With a strong lineup and a pivotal upcoming match against Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles are building momentum for their future fixtures.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk
