Osimhen’s brace lifts Eagles over Rwanda

Victor Osimhen was the hero as the Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 victory over the Amavubi of Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The Galatasaray forward scored twice in the first half to keep Nigeria’s hopes of securing a ticket to the global showpiece alive and handed Coach Eric Chelle a blistering start to his reign as the team’s helmsman.
The match began with Nigeria asserting dominance early, pressing high up the pitch and creating chances. Their intent was rewarded in the 11th minute when Osimhen latched onto a precise pass and fired a powerful strike past Rwandan goalkeeper Ntwari. The goal gave Nigeria the momentum they needed, and they continued to dictate the pace of the game.
Rwanda struggled to respond, with their attacking moves breaking down in the final third. Despite a few moments of promise, they were unable to penetrate Nigeria’s resolute defence. In the 23rd minute, Moses Simon nearly doubled Nigeria’s lead, but Ntwari pulled off a crucial save to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
As halftime approached, Osimhen once again demonstrated his clinical finishing ability. In the 45+3 minute, he burst through Rwanda’s defensive lines and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0, giving Nigeria a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Osimhen has now scored 25 goals in just 40 matches for Nigeria officially becoming the second highest scorer for the country surpassing Segun Odegbami just 12 goals behind legendary late Rashidi Yekini who had 37 goals.
The second half saw Rwanda attempt to fight back, making multiple substitutions to inject energy into their attack. However, Nigeria’s defence remained solid, with Bright Osayi-Samuel making a crucial clearance in the 48th minute to deny the hosts a chance to pull one back.
The Eagles made strategic substitutions of their own, bringing on Onyemaechi and Onyedika in the 62nd minute, followed by Tolu Arokodare and Alhassan Yusuf replacing Osimhen and Osayi-Samuel in the 77th minute. Despite Rwanda’s increased urgency, they struggled to break through, and their only real chance in the 88th minute was ruled out for offside.
With five minutes of added time, Nigeria held on to their lead comfortably, securing a vital three points in their quest for World Cup qualification. The result boosts their standing in the group as they have now moved to fourth position surpassing Lesotho who lost 2-0 to high-flying South Africa yesterday.
Bafana Bafana now top the table on 10 points and are followed by Benin Republic on eight points.
Rwanda remain third despite losing to Nigeria with seven points while Nigeria will be desperate to secure their second victory of the campaign when they host Zimbabwe in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Tuesday.