Nigeria secured a vital 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes alive.
The Super Eagles, who had struggled for consistency in Group C, finally registered their first home win of the campaign thanks to a second-half strike from substitute Tolu Arokodare.
The evening began with concern for Nigeria after striker Victor Osimhen, the team’s leading scorer in the qualifiers, limped off following a clumsy challenge in the first half.
The Galatasaray forward tried to continue but was forced off in the 33rd minute, replaced by Cyriel Dessers.
Osimhen’s early withdrawal left Nigeria with questions in attack, but coach Eric Chelle’s halftime gamble to introduce Arokodare in place of Frank Onyeka changed the game.
Nigeria had dominated possession but struggled to break down Rwanda’s disciplined defence in the first half.
Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon all went close, only to be denied by Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
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Five minutes after the restart, Arokodare provided the breakthrough, reacting quickest inside the box to convert after a swift team move.
The goal sparked renewed energy from Nigeria, who pressed for a second. Ntwari produced a stunning double save to deny Simon and Lookman, while Ndidi’s strike from distance was also kept out.
Rwanda offered little in attack, but pushed forward late in search of an equaliser. Nigeria’s backline, led by Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Frederick, Troost Ekong and Bright Osayi-Samuel, held firm to secure all three points in front of a buoyant home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
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The win lifts Nigeria to 10 points, one behind second-placed Benin and six adrift of leaders South Africa, who remain unbeaten.
The Super Eagles now travel to face South Africa in a decisive clash that could define their qualifying campaign.
