A double from in-form striker Victor Osimhen secured a 2-0 win against Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The visitors made a dream start as Osimhen peeled away to the back post to meet Ademola Lookman’s superb free-kick and break the deadlock after just 11 minutes. A great save from Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari denied Moses Simon from doubling the lead, whilst William Troost-Ekong twice went close from corners.
On the stroke of half-time, Osimhen raced through to add his second of the afternoon to leave Rwanda, with a huge mountain to climb as the match ended 2-0 to Nigeria.
Nigeria now have six (6) points from 5 games and are in fourth place on the table, while Rwanda are in third place with 7 points.
South Africa leads Group C with 10 points from 5 games as Benin are in second with 8 points. Lesotho are in fifth with 6 points and Zimbabwe are in sixth in 3 points.
PREVIEW
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are up against Rwanda in a must-win encounter on Friday, seeking to revive its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes, at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The encounter marks the first game under new head coach Éric Chelle, the Franco-Malian tactician tasked with steering Nigeria back to the global stage.
Nigeria has struggled to secure victory on Rwandan soil, with their last three visits ending in draws. The most notable was in 2004 when a 2006 World Cup qualifier ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.
The Super Eagles will be looking to avenge their shocking 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo last November, which marked Amavubi’s first-ever victory over the Super Eagles. The reverse fixture in Kigali last September ended in a goalless draw.
Nigeria
With just three points from four games, Nigeria is yet to register a win in the qualifiers (D3, L1), a record they must improve if they hope to make their first World Cup appearance since 2018.
Newly appointed coach Eric Chelle faces a tough task as he looks to steer Nigeria back on track. Anything less than a win could severely dent the Super Eagles’ qualification chances.
Rwanda
Meanwhile, Rwanda currently tops Group C with seven points from four matches and remains unbeaten in its last three encounters against Nigeria.
Rwanda, have relied on a solid defensive setup, conceding just one goal in four matches. With Nigeria struggling for consistency and Amavubi proving resilient at home, this encounter is set to be a tight contest.
Head-to-Head Total Meetings: 7
Nigeria Wins: 2
Draws: 4
Rwanda Wins: 1
- Read more: Super Eagles Target Victory Against Rwanda
LINE-UPS
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has named his first ever starting XI in charge of the team. Chelle has picked the quartet of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses and Samuel Chukwueze.
KICK OFF!!!!
We are underway at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali for this World Cup qualifier!
1′ Straight away there is concern for Osimhen. He slips to the ground and is holding his shoulder. Doesn’t appear to have done any damage to himself as he is good to continue and we are back underway.
5′ A slip in the Rwanda defence gives Lookman a sight of goal, but the forward is crowded out immediately and is forced to conceded a free-kick out of frustration.
9′ Throw-in for Nigeria. The visitors applying some pressure.
11′ Foul on Moses Simon by Rwanda in a dangerous position. Nigerian forward Lookman steps up.
12′ GOAL!!!!! VICTOR OSIMHEN for NIGERIA!!!
It’s a great delivery by Lookman as he picks out Osimhen at the back post and the Nigeria striker simply doesn’t miss from there. Its his 24th goal in his 39th appearance for Nigeria.
16′ Aina wins a free-kick for Nigeria. In a similar position that which led to the opening goal. Whipped in perfectly by Lookman as he picks out his captain, Ekong again, but the defender glances his header just wide of the far post.
20′ Rwanda’s game plan will have to change following that early goal. They were happy to sit deep at 0-0 but now the onus is on them to get back in the game.
24′ Rwanda just haven’t settled. Goalkeeper Ntwari is fortunate to get away with gifting the ball straight to Osimhen from a clearance. However, he more than makes amends by making a brilliant save to tip Simon’s effort over the bar.
29′ Rwanda threatens momentarily, getting supporters of their seats in the process but Sahabo wastes the opportunity.
Nigeria race up the other end and win another corner. This delivery from Lookman is not up there with the rest as Ntwari punches the ball away unchallenged.
34′ Awkward landing for Bizimana leaves the Rwanda captain requiring treatment. He should be fine to continue as we approach the final 10 minutes of the half.
38′ Rwanda make an early change as Samuel is replaced by Mugisha.
45+2′ GOAL! Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria | Victor Osimhen
Just like that Nigeria have a second, Osimhen does superbly to win the ball and from there he races through on goal before producing a fine dinked finish over goalkeeper Ntwari.
HALF-TIME
Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are 45 minutes away from recording their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen.
SECOND HALF
The second half is now underway as Nigeria leads Rwanda 2-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, courtesy of a double from in-form striker Victor Osimhen, at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would demand a professional performance from his men in the second half, while Rwanda will have to be a lot better if they’re to get something from this fixture.
46’ Early yellow card for Bizimana as he catches Osimhen high in the chest. The Rwanda captain, in fairness, was attempting to shield the ball. But Osimhen is making the point that he can’t lead with the forearm.
47′ Free-kick taken by Lookman but his attempt is deflected out for a corner and he runs over to take this too.
His delivery is headed away at the near post, but only to Simon who fires an effort way over the bar.
48′ Ndidi is booked for clattering into Bizimana.
53′ Nwabali is called into action again, making a routine save from Mugisha’s effort.
58′ Second change of the afternoon for Rwanda as Muhire replaces Sahabo
62′ Bit of sloppiness creeping into Nigeria’s passing. First Osimhen and then Ekong. Both in promising positions at the time.
66′ Double substitution for Nigeria. Onyemaechi and Onyedika come on to replace Aina and Chukwueze.
69′ Iwobi feeds Lookman, but he can’t get a shot away as the Rwanda defenders get back in time.
73′ A pause in play as Osayi receives treatment. Looks fine to continue, but Nigeria are preparing a change.
77′ Advantage played for Nigeria presents Osimhen with a chance to get his hat-trick, but he fluffs his lines with a wild swing and a miss. That is his final action of the game as he is replace dby Arokodare. Osayi is also off as Yusuf takes his place.
82′ More changes for Rwanda as Kwizera and Ruboneka are introduced. Time is running out for the hosts to get back in the game. Their attacking performance is summed up as Muhire’s free-kick does not beat the first man.
88′ GOAL FOR RWANDA!!!..NO!!! Rwanda have the ball in the net, but it is ruled out for offside.
89 min: Iwobi is the latest player to be shown a yellow card.
90 min: Five minutes of injury time to be played.
90+3 min: Yellow card for Arokodare.
FULL-TIME
Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria
Full-time and it’s victory for Nigeria. Victor Osimhen with a brace in Eric Chelle’s first game in charge.
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