Nigeria boosted their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday evening.
The win, Nigeria’s first in the qualifiers after five attempts, lifted the Super Eagles to fourth place in Group C with six points.
It also marked a historic moment, as the team recorded their first-ever away win against Rwanda after four previous failed attempts.
Here are five key takeaways from Nigeria’s performance:
1. Victor Osimhen’s impact cannot be overstated
Prior to this encounter, Nigeria had struggled in attack, scoring only four goals in as many matches.
The return of star striker Victor Osimhen proved decisive, as he wasted no time in making his presence felt.
The Napoli forward opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match before adding a second before the break.
His movement, sharpness, and finishing ability gave the Rwandan defense a torrid time and reaffirmed his status as Nigeria’s attacking talisman.
2. Super eagles thrive under pressure
With just three points from their previous four games, Nigeria found themselves in a precarious position going into this fixture.
However, the team responded emphatically, delivering a dominant display to secure a much-needed victory.
Despite a poor record in Kigali, they displayed composure and resilience, handling the pressure with authority.
3. Eric Chelle’s tactical acumen hines
In his first game as head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle showcased his tactical intelligence, outmaneuvering his Algerian counterpart, Adel Amrouche.
His decision-making, from team selection to in-game adjustments, played a significant role in Nigeria’s control of the match.
The team appeared more structured, balanced, and disciplined, which was reflected in their seamless performance across all areas of the pitch.
4. Total control from start to finish
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted dominance, dictating the tempo and forcing Rwanda to defend deep in their own half. T
