The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday revived their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes following their 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
After enduring a frustrating first half with talisman Victor Osimhen being subbed off, the Eagles took the lead in the 51st minute after substitute Tolu Arokodare scored five minutes after his entrance
The victory hands Nigeria 10 points from seven matches and third on the Group D standings with South Africa dictating the pace with 16 points while Benin Republic are second with 11 points.
Nigeria will on Sunday depart for South Africa to keep a date with the Bafana Bafana in another must-win match for the Super eagles. Meanwhile, Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was forced to leave Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in the 36th minute on Saturday evening in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after suffering an injury to his left ankle.
The 26-year-old forward, who started in Nigeria’s lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers Group C match, went down in the penalty area after a challenge from a Rwandan defender in the 27th minute. Osimhen initially got up angrily before collapsing back to the ground in visible pain.
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Medical staff attended to Osimhen on the field before determining he could not continue. The striker was visibly frustrated and upset as he was helped off the pitch, with teammates and coaching staff providing consolation. Ice treatment was immediately applied to his left ankle on the sideline.
Osimhen was later replaced by Cyriel Dessers in what represents a significant blow for both Nigeria’s World Cup campaign and Türkiye’s champions Galatasaray.
