Nigeria took a significant step towards securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 21. Victor Osimhen was the star of the night, scoring twice in the first half to hand the Super Eagles all three points in their Group C qualifier.

Despite an initial injury scare in the opening minutes, Osimhen returned to action and proved to be the difference-maker. His first goal came in the 11th minute when he capitalized on poor marking inside the Rwandan box, converting a well-placed free-kick. The Super Eagles almost doubled their lead four minutes later when Ange Mutsinzi’s attempted clearance of a Samuel Chukwueze cross narrowly missed his own goal.

Rwanda struggled to gain control in the first half, with goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari forced into a brilliant save from a curling effort by Moses Simon in the 26th minute. The hosts made an early change, bringing on Gilbert Mugisha for the ineffective Samuel Gueulette, which helped them gain some attacking momentum.

However, just before halftime, Osimhen struck again. In the 45+2 minute, the Nigerian forward stole the ball from Thierry Manzi and raced toward goal, coolly finishing past Ntwari to give Nigeria a commanding 2-0 lead.

The second half saw Rwanda push forward in search of a goal, with coach Adel Amrouche introducing Kevin Muhire in the 70th minute to add creativity in midfield. The hosts dominated possession in the latter stages but failed to convert their chances. Nigeria responded by substituting Osimhen for Tolu Arokodare in the 80th minute to manage the game.

Rwanda thought they had pulled a goal back in the 90th minute when Yves Habimana dribbled past Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to score, but the referee ruled it out due to a foul in the build-up. Despite five minutes of stoppage time, Nigeria held firm to secure a deserved win.

Rwanda will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Lesotho on March 25, while Nigeria will host Zimbabwe in Uyo as they aim to extend their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.