For the Super Eagles, the road to the 2026 World Cup had been bumpy. Lethargic performances and missed opportunities painted a bleak picture. But in Kigali, under the floodlights and on unfamiliar Rwandan soil, Nigeria roared back to life.

Victor Osimhen, ever the talisman, led the charge with a clinical brace that not only shattered Nigeria’s winless streak in Rwanda but also revived the team’s qualification hopes. It was a night where Eric Chelle’s tactical brilliance and the Super Eagles’ renewed hunger combined to deliver a statement victory.

Chelle’s Tactical Masterclass

From the opening whistle, it was clear: Chelle had a plan. The Super Eagles lined up in an aggressive 4-4-2 formation, pressing high and forcing Rwanda into errors. This intensity paid off when Osimhen capitalized on a defensive mistake to score his second goal, showcasing the rewards of Nigeria’s relentless pressure.

But Chelle’s tactical intelligence shone brightest in the second half. With Rwanda seeking a way back into the game, he switched to a more controlled 4-3-3, adding an extra midfielder to solidify the center. The adjustment worked flawlessly as Nigeria controlled possession and reduced the hosts to speculative half-chances.

For the first time in recent memory, the Super Eagles looked like a team with a clear tactical blueprint and a coach capable of executing it.

A Team Hungry for the World Cup

Gone was the lethargy of previous qualifiers. From the first whistle, Nigeria played like a team desperate to make the World Cup. Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon harassed the Rwandan backline while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi bossed the midfield.

The Super Eagles fought for every ball, defended with discipline, and refused to retreat into a defensive shell. Their energy and purpose were a stark contrast to earlier lackluster displays — a sign that this team still believes in its World Cup destiny.

Osimhen: Nigeria’s Next Great Striker

With 25 goals in just 37 appearances, Victor Osimhen is quickly carving out his legacy. His performance in Kigali was a reminder that Nigeria hasn’t had a striker this prolific since the late, great Rashidi Yekini.

Osimhen’s first goal, a predatory finish from Lookman’s cross, and his second, a composed chip after winning possession, highlighted his lethal instincts. At just 25, he is on pace to surpass Yekini’s record of 37 international goals.

In Osimhen, Nigeria has not just a goal-scorer but a talisman who can lead them to North America in 2026.

Unlocking the Simon-Lookman Puzzle

A persistent headache for Nigeria has been how to use both Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman without disrupting the team’s balance. Chelle may have found the solution.

In Kigali, Simon operated as a traditional left-winger while Lookman played a freer attacking role, drifting centrally to create chances. This combination was key to the opening goal and gave the attack a new level of fluidity.

If Chelle continues to harness their complementary strengths, Nigeria could have one of the most dangerous left-sided pairings in African football.

A Historic Win, A New Beginning

Before this match, Rwanda had been a fortress against Nigeria, with three previous encounters ending in frustrating draws. Osimhen’s heroics not only ended that jinx but also lifted Nigeria to six points in Group C, reigniting hopes of World Cup qualification.

Next, Nigeria hosts Zimbabwe in Uyo — a chance to build momentum. With belief restored and tactical clarity under Chelle, the Super Eagles have the opportunity to make a decisive push toward the 2026 World Cup.

The challenge ahead is consistency. But for now, Nigeria’s World Cup dream is alive, and the roar of the Super Eagles echoes far beyond Kigali.