Nigeria boosted their World Cup qualification hopes with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their CAF Group C clash on Friday, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen.
The Napoli striker opened the scoring in the 11th minute, connecting with a precise cross from Ademola Lookman to give Nigeria an early lead. He doubled the Super Eagles’ advantage in first-half stoppage time, slotting home in the 45+3rd minute to secure a crucial win.
The match was a physical contest, with Rwanda’s D. Bizimana receiving a yellow card in the 46th minute, while Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi picked up a booking in the 49th minute. Despite holding 45 percent possession, Rwanda struggled to break through Nigeria’s defense, managing only two shots on target. The Super Eagles, on the other hand, dominated offensively with three shots on target and eight corner kicks.
With this victory, Nigeria now sits in fourth place in Group C with six points from five matches, keeping their qualification hopes alive. South Africa currently leads the group with ten points, followed by Benin with eight points and Rwanda with seven.
As the qualification race remains open, Nigeria will now turn their focus to upcoming fixtures in a bid to climb higher in the standings and secure a place in the next stage of the competition.
