Super Eagles keep World Cup hopes alive as Arokodare goal secures three points against Rwanda

NIGERIA'S  Super Eagles have taken a step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup by clinching all three points in a qualifier against Rwanda after securing a 1-0 victory against the Wasps at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo this evening.

In what was a must-win game, the Eagles managed to leave Uyo with a lone goal victory thanks to a 51st minute strike by Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare. They will now travel to South Africa where they will face Bafana Bafana in another must-win qualifier on Tuesday.

Wolves' news striker Arokodare was the hero on the night as he fired Nigeria past Rwanda, keeping the team's 2026 World Cup hopes alive with a vital goal. In what was a nervous game, the  match began with Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen finding the net in the seventh minute but the goal was ruled offside.

Shortly afterwards, Osimhen was forced off the pitch following a series of harsh tackles from the Rwandan defence, making way for Cyriel Dessers. Before the end of the first half, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi tested Rwanda’s goalkeeper with a powerful long-range strike in the 35th minute but it was expertly saved, allowing the first half to end goalless.

After the interval, Nigerian coach Eric Chelle made a key substitution, bringing on Arokodare for Frank Onyeka. Just five minutes after coming on, Arokodare seized his chance, scoring his first competitive goal for Nigeria with an improvised finish inside the box after a snap effort from Ola Aina set up the opportunity.

Just 12 minutes later, Rwanda’s goalkeeper made a remarkable double save to deny Nigeria a second goal, keeping the tension alive, while Ademola Lookman also missed a big chance to double the lead before he was substituted. Despite pressure from the visitors, Nigeria managed to hold on for the win, securing three vital points that move them up to third place in Group C with 10 points.