Nigeria regained momentum in their 2026 World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win against Rwanda, driven by Victor Osimhen’s two goals. New coach Eric Chelle made a strong debut with experienced Premier League players. Nigeria captured their first victory after a challenging start, positioning them just behind Rwanda in the group standings before facing Zimbabwe next week.
Nigeria’s campaign for the 2026 World Cup qualification has gained momentum following a decisive 2-0 victory over Rwanda, propelled by Victor Osimhen’s impressive brace. The Super Eagles entered the match under pressure, having failed to secure a win in their first four games and sitting fifth in Group C, far from the automatic qualification spot.
In a pivotal first match as head coach, Eric Chelle aimed to change Nigeria’s fortunes after replacing Augustine Eguavoen. He fielded a robust lineup, including Premier League talents such as Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and William Troost-Ekong, to bolster the team’s performance.
The breakthrough came when Ademola Lookman’s free-kick allowed Osimhen to capitalize from close range, registering his first goal in World Cup qualification. Throughout the first half, Nigeria dominated play, with opportunities such as Lookman’s assists and Moses Simon’s near miss thwarted by Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari.
Just before half-time, Osimhen struck again, expertly maneuvering past a defender to execute a skillful dinked finish over Ntwari, further complicating matters for the Rwandan side. Unlike their previous matchup in November, Nigeria showcased defensive strength and controlled the game to secure their inaugural victory in the qualification round. With this win and South Africa’s triumph, Nigeria rises to fourth place in the group, closely trailing Rwanda as they gear up for an upcoming match against Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s convincing 2-0 win over Rwanda, spearheaded by Victor Osimhen’s two goals, marks a significant step forward in their World Cup qualification campaign. Under new management, the Super Eagles displayed offensive prowess and defensive resilience, paving the way for more crucial matches ahead, particularly as they seek to close the gap towards an automatic qualification berth.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk
