By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria’s men’s national team, the Super Eagles, on Saturday, September 6, 202,5, defeated Rwanda 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Nigeria’s striker Tolu Arokodare scored the only goal to ensure Super Eagles secure all three points and intensify the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The New Diplomat reports that the match began with the Super Eagles on the front foot. Just seven minutes after the kick-off striker Victor Osimhen found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed on grounds of offside position.
Shortly after, Osimhen was forced off the pitch following a series of harsh tackles from the Rwandan defence, making way for Cyriel Dessers.
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi tested Rwanda’s goalkeeper with a powerful long-range strike in the 35th minute, but it was expertly saved. The first half ended goalless.
After the interval, Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle made a substitution, bringing in Arokodare, who recently joined Premier League side Wolves.
Just five minutes later, Arokodare seized his chance, scoring his first competitive goal for Nigeria with an improvised finish inside the box.
Despite pressure from the visitors, Nigeria managed to hold on to the win, securing three vital points that moved them up to third place in Group C with 10 points.
However, they remain six points behind group leaders, such as South Africa, who will host the Super Eagles next Tuesday.
