Tolu Arokodare’s second-half goal earned the Super Eagles a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
The match was cagey for long periods but broke open early in the second half when Arokodare reacted quickest to a loose ball in the visitors’ box and bundled it over the line in the 51st minute, putting Nigeria ahead. The Super Eagles then re-organised around that lead, defending stoutly and seeing the game out despite pressure from an industrious Rwandan side.
Nigeria started the game with intent and created a handful of openings in the first half — Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman both tested the Rwandan defence — but it was Arokodare’s predatory finish that proved decisive. Rwanda pushed for an equaliser late on, but the Nigerian defence and goalkeeper held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
The victory is significant for Nigeria’s qualification hopes in a tightly contested CAF group. The three points lift the Super Eagles closer to the automatic qualifying spots and give coach Éric Chelle’s side a much-needed boost of momentum as the campaign reaches its business end. Local reaction to the win was immediate and positive, with fans and pundits describing the result as a vital turnaround.
Coach and team officials said afterwards that attention now turns to the next fixtures in the group and to building on the defensive discipline shown in Uyo. Rwanda, meanwhile, will look back on missed opportunities and aim to recover points in their remaining matches as they chase qualification.
Match facts: Nigeria 1 (T. Arokodare 51’) — Rwanda 0. Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The Super Eagles will return to continental duty with renewed belief after a hard-fought evening in front of home supporters.
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