Victor Osimhen Inspires Nigeria to Vital World Cup Qualification Win Over Rwanda
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign revitalized with a 2-0 win over Rwanda, thanks to Victor Osimhen’s two goals. Under coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have now moved up to fourth in Group C standings. Their successful strategies and robust player performances signal promising prospects ahead in their qualification journey.
Nigeria’s pursuit of qualification for the 2026 World Cup has gained momentum following a significant 2-0 victory over Rwanda on matchday five, propelled by Victor Osimhen’s remarkable brace. Under immense pressure, the Super Eagles entered this match sitting fifth in Group C, having failed to secure a win in their previous four games. They faced a 20-year drought of away goals against Rwanda, increasing the stakes for new head coach Eric Chelle in his initial match since taking over from Augustine Eguavoen.
Chelle fielded a robust lineup, integrating several players with Premier League backgrounds. Notable inclusions were Ola Aina at left-back, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, and Calvin Bassey partnering with captain William Troost-Ekong in central defense. The game’s opening goal came from a well-executed set piece; Ademola Lookman’s free-kick set up Osimhen for a close-range conversion, marking his debut goal in World Cup qualification.
Dominating both before and after the first goal, Nigeria consistently threatened Rwanda’s defense. Despite missed opportunities, including a potential goal from Troost-Ekong and a fantastic save by Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari denying Moses Simon, Osimhen managed to secure a second goal right before halftime. He intercepted the ball, skillfully eluding his marker, and executed a fine dinked finish over the goalkeeper, establishing a challenging position for the hosts.
While Rwanda previously triumphed in their last encounter against Nigeria, this time the Super Eagles expertly managed the game’s tempo to earn their first qualification win. Following this match, Rwanda fell to third in the standings after South Africa’s victory over Lesotho, while Nigeria improved to fourth place, now only one point behind their rivals in preparation for an upcoming fixture against Zimbabwe next week.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda represents a critical turning point in their World Cup qualification campaign, underscored by Victor Osimhen’s standout performance. As they progress, the Super Eagles are now in a stronger position within their group and look forward to an important match against Zimbabwe. Head Coach Eric Chelle’s strategies and player selections contributed significantly to this vital win, spotlighting the potential for future successes in the qualification rounds.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk
