In a tense 2026 World Cup qualifier, Tolu Arokodare’s spectacular 51st-minute volley secured a vital 1-0 victory for Nigeria’s Super Eagles against a stubborn Rwanda side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The Wolves striker’s acrobatic finish ensured Nigeria’s second win in the qualification campaign, propelling them to second in Group C, though they trail leaders South Africa by six points.
Nigeria, desperate to revive their faltering World Cup hopes after drawing their first four matches, leaned on the tactical shift brought by coach Eric Chelle, appointed in January. “We knew we had to fight for every chance,” Chelle reflected post-match, acknowledging Rwanda’s defensive resilience. Despite dominating possession, the Super Eagles struggled to break through, with Victor Osimhen’s early goal disallowed for offside and the Galatasaray striker later substituted after a heavy challenge.
The introduction of Arokodare at halftime proved decisive. “I just saw the ball and went for it,” Arokodare said of his match-winning strike, which came after Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari parried a shot from African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman. Ntwari’s heroics, including a double save to deny Moses Simon and Lookman, kept Rwanda in the game, but Nigeria held firm, surviving a late scare when Calvin Bassey and Stanley Nwabali combined to thwart a Rwandan chance.
With three matches remaining, Nigeria’s hopes hinge on their upcoming clash with South Africa in Bloemfontein. “It’s a must-win for us,” captain Alex Iwobi emphasized, highlighting the stakes. A potential FIFA ruling deducting three points from South Africa for an ineligible player in their March 2025 match against Lesotho could also boost Nigeria’s chances. Alternatively, a strong second-place finish might secure a spot in the intercontinental play-off, offering a lifeline to avoid missing consecutive World Cups after their 2022 loss to Ghana.
The Super Eagles’ gritty win keeps their dream alive, but the road to the 2026 World Cup remains steep.