…Super Eagles’ triumph over Rwanda brings their total to 10 points from seven matches.
UYO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive on Friday night, narrowly defeating Rwanda 1–0 in a tense Group C qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
It was substitute Tolu Arokodare who emerged as the unexpected hero, netting the game’s only goal in the 51st minute to break the deadlock and secure all three points for the Nigerian side. His composed finish sparked wild celebrations in the stands, as fans welcomed a result that puts Nigeria back in contention for a World Cup slot.
The win couldn’t have come at a more critical time. Just a day earlier, group leaders South Africa had extended their lead at the top with a dominant 3–0 victory over Lesotho, taking their tally to 16 points. Nigeria’s triumph over Rwanda brings their total to 10 points from seven matches, now trailing South Africa by just six points with three fixtures remaining.
Rwanda, on the other hand, remain stuck in fourth place with eight points, their World Cup hopes now hanging by a thread.
The Super Eagles will now shift their focus to a high-stakes encounter against South Africa at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday. That clash is widely regarded as a potential decider in the race for top spot in Group C, which guarantees automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria will round off their qualifying campaign with fixtures against Lesotho and Benin in October.
