Victor Osimhen scored a first-half brace to lead the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory over the Wasps of Rwanda in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C encounter at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali on Friday evening.
The Galatasaray striker’s brace is his 24th and 25th international goal for Nigeria. He secured the Super Eagles’ first win in the World Cup qualifier series, reigniting the country’s chance of possible qualification.
Eric Chelle began his reign with a setup reminiscent of a glorious past, with the quartet of Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze all in attack, supported by Alex Iwobi.
The attacking line-up paid early dividends, with the opener in the 11th minute through Osimhen.
The former Napoli striker continued his scoring form in Kigali, getting on the end of Lookman’s free-kick at the back post to slot home for 1-0 to Nigeria.
The Super Eagles continued to look impressive in attack, creating more chances, but William Troost-Ekong could not capitalise on two occasions, blazing wide before his header went narrowly wide minutes later.
Simon thought he had doubled Nigeria’s advantage, but his deflected shot was tipped over for a corner-kick by Fiacre Ntwari, Rwanda’s goalkeeper.
Rwanda eventually settled into the game and had their first opportunity in the 39th minute through Gilber Mugisha’s long-range strike but it was comfortably dealt with by Stanley Nwabali.
The hosts continued to threaten, but Nigeria doubled their advantage against the run of play through Osimhen, who also completed his brace.
The 26-year-old nicked in front of a defender to claim Bright Osayi-Samuel’s header on the halfway line before running into the box, where he lifted a chipped finish over the goalkeeper and into the net to give the Super Eagles a deserved 2-0 lead going into the halftime break.
Rwanda looked to reduce the deficit after the break quickly, but a combination of last-gasp clearances, calm goalkeeping from Nwabali, and poor coordination in attack prevented the home side from making the most of the forays into attack.
Nigeria saw out the remainder of the encounter effectively to hand Eric Chelle a win in his first match as Nigeria’s coach.
Victory is also Nigeria’s first-ever win away at Rwanda and is also revenge for a surprise 2-1 loss to the Wasps in the African Nations Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio stadium last year.
The Super Eagles’ victory moved Nigeria to fourth position in Group C with six points from five matches. They next face Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio stadium on March 25.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Stanley Nwabali (GK): Epitome of composure as usual. He used his calmness to douse the pressure as Rwanda gained the upper hand towards the end of the first half, allowing the players to regain their composure before striking to double the lead. Easily handled the shots that came his way. 4.5/5
Ola Aina (DR): He was more of a full-back than a wing-back in Chelle’s first match and did not disappoint. He did not allow attacks on his wing, bar a mistake that gifted a corner kick to Rwanda, and was composed all night. 3/5
William Troost-Ekong (C, DF): Led the team in his usual calm manner. Could have added a goal or two to his assured display. 4/5
Calvin Bassey (DC): Energetic and was everywhere in defence and assisted Ndidi in midfield to ensure the Rwandans had little success in attack. 4/5
Bright Osayi-Samuel (DL): Like Aina, the full-back was more defensive and proved he was up to the task, as Rwanda’s attack mostly emanated from his side. 3.5/5
Wilfred Ndidi (DM): Covered every blade of grass in the centre of the park with much success, allowing the attacking players to stick more to their task of scoring goals. Another successfully battling display. 4/5
Alex Iwobi (MC): He was paired in central midfield to serve as a link to the attackers and did his job with much success. He was cautious in his movement into attack but was always available to collect the ball and supply the frontline effectively. 3.5/5
Samuel Chukwueze (WG): The winger was his dribbling self with some success. His decision-making still needs improvement, but he was more effective than in previous matches. 3/5
Moses Simon (WG): Was more effective than Chukwueze. Won the free kick that led to the opener and was denied a goal by a brilliant save. Kept the Rwanda defence on their toes all day. 3.5/5
Ademola Lookman (ST): The reigning African Footballer of the Year created the opener with a well-taken free-kick and was a handful for the defence. He also joined in pressing the Rwandans inttokmakestakes. A good night’s work for the Atalanta forward. 4/5
Victor Osimhen (ST): The passionate striker was in inspired form for the Eagles, getting on the end of a free-kick for his first before showing his pressing qualities to steal the ball before delivering an exquisite finish. Man of the match. 5/5
SUBSTITUTES
Bruno Onyemaechi (FB): Continued from where Aina stopped with a good defensive shift. 3/5
Raphael Onyedika (MC): He added bodies in midfield, and his presence reduced the hosts’ success in midfield. 3/5
Alhassan Yusuf (MC): N/A
Tolu Arokodare (ST): N/A
The Cable
