The Super Eagles returned to winning ways on Saturday after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

It wasn’t a spectacle, but it was effective. Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to grab the decisive goal in the 51st minute, sealing all three points for Nigeria. The win lifted the Eagles to third place in Group C, setting up a crucial clash against leaders South Africa on Tuesday.

But beyond the scoreline, here are the three major lessons from the hard-fought battle in Uyo:

1. South Africa Will Be the Real Test
Nigeria may have escaped with a slim win, but their lack of fluidity, especially down the right flank, was glaring. Coach Eric Chelle’s tactical setup left holes in attack, and against a sharper opponent like South Africa, such inefficiencies could prove costly. Tuesday’s clash with Bafana Bafana is now shaping up to be a defining moment in the group.

2. Arokodare Steps Up in Osimhen’s Absence
With Victor Osimhen struggling for fitness, Nigeria needed a hero—and Arokodare delivered. The Wolves forward made an instant impact, just as he has done before, showing he could be a reliable deputy for the Napoli star. His confidence and physical presence might earn him a deserved starting spot against South Africa.

3. VAR Absence Continues to Haunt Qualifiers
Controversy struck again. Nigeria were denied a goal after Osimhen’s strike was wrongly flagged offside—replays proved otherwise. With no VAR in use, the decision stood, underlining the persistent frustration in African qualifiers. In matches of this magnitude, the absence of modern officiating tools remains a stain on the competition.

Nigeria may have gotten the job done against Rwanda, but bigger battles lie ahead—both on the pitch and with CAF’s infrastructure.