Nigeria took a significant step forward in their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday night. The Super Eagles, playing under new head coach Eric Chelle for the first time, delivered a composed performance to secure their first win in the qualifying campaign.
The hero of the night was Victor Osimhen, who continued his exceptional form by scoring both goals in the first half. The Galatasaray forward showcased his clinical finishing ability, ensuring Nigeria walked away with all three points.
Osimhen’s Brilliance Seals the Win
Osimhen, who has been in red-hot form at club level, wasted no time in making his mark on the game. Right from the start, Nigeria looked determined, pressing high and controlling possession. Their attacking efforts paid off early in the match when Ademola Lookman delivered a precise free-kick into the penalty area. Osimhen, showing his striker’s instinct, calmly guided the ball into the net with a side-footed finish, leaving the Rwandan goalkeeper with no chance.
The second goal came as a result of Osimhen’s sharp awareness and technical brilliance. In the 37th minute, the Nigerian striker stole the ball near the halfway line, catching the Rwandan defense off guard. With remarkable speed, he sprinted toward goal, keeping his composure as the goalkeeper rushed out to close the angle. With a delicate chip, Osimhen lofted the ball over the advancing keeper, doubling Nigeria’s lead before the break.
A Promising Start Under Eric Chelle
This victory marked a successful debut for Eric Chelle as Nigeria’s head coach. The former Mali international, who took over the reins of the Super Eagles following recent managerial changes, has been tasked with rejuvenating the squad and guiding them to the World Cup. His tactical setup against Rwanda appeared well-structured, allowing Nigeria to dominate possession and control the tempo of the match.
The midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka played a crucial role in maintaining stability, winning duels, and transitioning play effectively. The defensive pairing of William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey ensured that Rwanda had very few chances throughout the game.
While the Super Eagles’ defense was not heavily tested, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was alert when needed, making a key save in the second half to keep Nigeria’s two-goal advantage intact. Overall, the team displayed cohesion and tactical discipline, a positive sign for the games ahead.
Impact on the Group Standings
Nigeria’s victory comes at a crucial moment in the qualifiers, as they look to keep pace with other strong contenders in their group. Following South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho, the Super Eagles climbed to third place in the standings. The result not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position as they continue their journey toward securing a place in the World Cup.
The competition in the group remains fierce, with several nations vying for a top-two finish. While South Africa currently leads, Nigeria’s improved performance under Chelle suggests they are poised to challenge for an automatic qualification spot. With several matches still to play, every point will be crucial in determining their fate.
What This Means for Osimhen and the Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen’s performance once again underscored his importance to the Nigerian team. The 25-year-old striker has been in sensational form, both for his club and country, and remains a key figure in Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.
His ability to convert chances, exploit defensive mistakes, and create scoring opportunities has made him one of the most feared forwards in African football. With his latest brace, Osimhen continues to justify his reputation as Nigeria’s primary goal threat.
Beyond Osimhen’s individual brilliance, the match also showcased the team’s potential under Chelle. While there is still room for improvement, particularly in finishing off chances and defensive coordination, the signs are promising. If the Super Eagles continue to build on this performance, they stand a strong chance of making a return to the world’s biggest football stage.
Next Challenge: Zimbabwe
Following their victory over Rwanda, Nigeria will now shift focus to their next match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. This fixture presents another opportunity for Chelle’s men to solidify their position in the group and continue their push for World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe, who have proven to be a tricky opponent in previous encounters, will be eager to challenge Nigeria. However, with the momentum gained from this win, the Super Eagles will be confident of securing back-to-back victories.
A win against Zimbabwe could propel Nigeria further up the table, closing the gap on group leaders South Africa. As the journey continues, Nigerian fans will be eager to see whether Chelle’s tactical approach can lead the team to another World Cup appearance.
With Osimhen leading the attack and a promising structure under the new coach, the future looks bright for the Super Eagles. If they maintain their focus and consistency, Nigeria could be on course to reclaim their place on the global stage in 2026.
