The Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes on track with a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo earlier today, September 6.

Tolu Arokodare emerged as Nigeria’s unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 51st minute after pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area. His instinctive finish sent the packed Uyo crowd into wild celebrations, easing the mounting pressure on the team after a cagey first half.

Both sides approached the game cautiously, with Nigeria struggling to find rhythm early on. The first real setback for the hosts came when talismanic striker Victor Osimhen limped off midway through the first half, forcing head coach Eric Chelle to bring on Cyril Dessers.

Despite the loss of their star forward, the Super Eagles tightened their grip on the contest, with Calvin Bassey marshalling the defence and keeping Rwanda’s late surges at bay.

The three points proved crucial in Group C, where Nigeria now sits on 10 points from seven games, leapfrogging Rwanda, which remains on eight. With only a handful of fixtures left, the qualification race remains wide open, but this victory offers renewed hope to Nigerian fans.

Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will face Group C table-toppers, South Africa, away on Tuesday, September 9.

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