Osimhen’s Double Propels Nigeria to Crucial World Cup Qualifier Victory Over Rwanda

In a high-stakes World Cup qualifier at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium, Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a vital 2-0 victory over Rwanda, thanks to a stellar performance by Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker’s first-half brace not only ended Nigeria’s winless streak in the qualifiers but also reignited their hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted their dominance, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. The breakthrough came early in the 11th minute when Ademola Lookman’s precise free-kick found Osimhen, who deftly converted from close range. The duo continued to torment Rwanda’s defense, with Lookman creating multiple opportunities that kept the hosts on the back foot.

Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead just before halftime with a moment of brilliance. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse, he chipped the ball over Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, leaving the home crowd stunned. This marked Osimhen’s 24th goal in a Nigerian jersey, further cementing his status as a key player for the Super Eagles.

Despite the scoreline, Rwanda showed flashes of promise. Bonheur Mugisha came close to pulling one back in the 53rd minute, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was equal to the task. The Amavubi defense, led by Fiacre Ntwari, worked tirelessly to prevent further damage, denying Lookman and Moses Simon on several occasions.

This victory lifts Nigeria to fourth place in Group C, narrowing the gap to the automatic qualification spots. With a crucial fixture against Zimbabwe looming, the Super Eagles will need to maintain their momentum to keep their World Cup dreams alive. For Rwanda, the loss is a setback, but their spirited performance offers hope for future matches.

Victor Osimhen’s heroics have not only revitalized Nigeria’s campaign but also underscored the importance of individual brilliance in team success. As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see if they can soar to new heights.

Related Posts

Venus Williams to compete in women’s doubles at US Open

Venus Williams will compete in women’s doubles at the US Open after receiving a wildcard entry with 2021 singles runner-up Leylah Fernandez. Williams and Canadian Fernandez will meet sixth seeds…

Read more

Kansas, already 1-0 via a rout, faces Wagner

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) runs for yards during the game between Fresno State and Kansas at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Aug. 23, 2025. Kansas enters the…

Read more

Yankees activate RHP Fernando Cruz after extended IL stint

Jun 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn…

Read more

Wolves reject Newcastle’s improved £55m Strand Larsen bid

Wolves have rejected an improved second offer worth £55m from Newcastle for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The bid was rejected on Tuesday night when the 25-year-old scored two late goals…

Read more

Celtic crash out of Champions League to 311th-ranked Kairat Almaty

Daizen Maeda missed a sitter and a penalty as woeful Celtic crashed out of the Champions League to Kairat Almaty. The Hoops failed to score over 210 minutes against a…

Read more

MLB matches Giants, Yankees in early 2026 opener

Sep 28, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; A general view of Oracle Park and McCovey Cove from section 302 before the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San…

Read more

Leave a Reply