The Super Eagles needed just one more strike from Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare to defeat vengeful Rwanda in a crucial World Cup qualifier in 2026, keeping Nigeria’s slim chances of winning alive.  ,
In the 51st minute, Arokodare’s acrobatic effort from the turf gave Nigeria their second victory in the qualification series, moving them six points clear of Group C leaders South Africa, who they face on Tuesday.
Nigeria needed a win over the Amavubis to resurrect their campaign after a poor start to the qualifying race. Up until Eric Chelle’s appointment in January, they had drawn their first four games.  ,
In his first two qualifying matches, the Malian was on track to win all six points. However, Nigeria only received four points after a late equalizer at home to Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles dominated play at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as expected, but they struggled to convert chances.  ,
Victor Osimhen, the point guard for Galatasaray, thought he had given Nigeria the lead when he headed the ball into the back of the net in the eighth minute. However, because of his offside goal, it was forwarded.
A few minutes after he fell from a challenge, Osimhen was substituted in the 33rd minute. Cyril Dessers of Panathinaikos replaced him. The brilliant Fiacre Ntwari intercepted Alex Iwobi’s long-range effort in the Rwandan goal just moments later.
The Super Eagles struggled but were unable to defeat a Rwandan team that was prepared to lean forward and take the home team’s pressure.
The 2013 AFCON champions continued to advance until the second half was over. The imposing Arokadare, who was introduced at half-time, fired home in the near post to give Nigeria the much-needed cushion, and it paid off in the 51st minute.
Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, was blocked by Ntwari, but the former Genk man kindly bundled the ball home.
TEA well-served . twitter.com/03eNcWbp9Z
Ntwari made a remarkable save to stop Moses Simon and Lookman later in the game, which could have increased their total.
However, the Super Eagles were a little scared after Calvin Bassey’s close-range header was blocked before Stanley Nwabali saved the rebound late in the game.
Nigeria had three more minutes to go before the final whistle, which gives them a glimmer of hope heading to South Africa.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are three more games away, so Tuesday’s game against South Africa in Bloemfontein is crucial. Nigeria has no other chance of winning one of Africa’s automatic tickets to the competition unless it wins all of its games.
They will also be hoping that South Africa’s March 2025 game against Lesotho will result in a three-point penalty from FIFA for fielding an ineligible player.
FIFA has to make a decision right now. If they place among the top four second-placed teams in the qualifiers, the three-time African champions may also be eligible for the tournament. Then, after the pool, the other team will advance to the intercontinental play-off.
Source: Channels TV
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