The Super Eagles of Nigeria reignited their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium.

Facing mounting pressure after a string of underwhelming results, Nigeria needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite earlier setbacks, including a loss to Benin and draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the three-time African champions delivered when it mattered most.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the day, netting twice in the first half to give Nigeria a comfortable lead. His clinical finishing showcased the quality that had been missing in previous outings.

Rwanda’s defender Ange Mutsinzi, who played the entire match, acknowledged the Super Eagles’ superior desire and intensity.

“I think they (Nigeria) came strong, and they wanted to win,” Mutsinzi admitted after the game. “They deserve it. They have a good team and good strikers. We have quality also, but we won the last game, and they won this one—who knows the next?”

The win lifts Nigeria to fourth place in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers. With a home clash against Zimbabwe on the horizon, the Super Eagles have a golden opportunity to climb further up the table.

New coach Eric Chelle marked his debut with an important win but knows there is still work to be done. While Nigeria showed hunger and grit, questions remain about their creativity against lower-ranked teams. Chelle will also need to fine-tune his player selection to maximize the squad’s potential.

With the next match against Zimbabwe looming, fans will expect nothing less than another three points on home soil. The journey to the 2026 World Cup is far from over, but Nigeria’s victory over Rwanda is a step in the right direction.