Arokodare Lone Strike Keeps Super Eagles’ World Cup Dreams Alive Against Rwanda

By Emmanuel Kwada

A second-half goal from Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Nigeria’s Super Eagles over a resilient Rwanda side in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The win, Nigeria’s second in the qualification campaign, propelled the team to second place in Group C, keeping their slim hopes of reaching the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada alive. With South Africa next on the horizon, the Super Eagles are poised for a must-win clash to revive their faltering campaign.

Tolu Arokodare

Coming off a lackluster start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria desperately needed a win to stay in contention in Group C, where they trail leaders South Africa by six points. The Super Eagles dominated possession from the outset, but Rwanda’s disciplined defense and stellar goalkeeping frustrated the hosts for much of the match.

The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare latched onto a precise through ball from Wilfred Ndidi and fired a low shot past Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. The goal sparked wild celebrations in Uyo, as fans sensed a lifeline for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations. The victory moved Nigeria to second place in the group with five points from four matches, while Rwanda slipped to third.

The Super Eagles thought they had taken the lead as early as the eighth minute when Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Osimhen, a key figure in Nigeria’s attack, suffered a blow when he was forced off in the 33rd minute after a heavy challenge, replaced by Panathinaikos striker Cyril Dessers. Despite the setback, Nigeria continued to press, with Fulham’s Alex Iwobi coming close moments later, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Ntwari.

We know how much this means to the fans. We’ll keep fighting for them

Rwanda, known as the Amavubi, showed resilience, with their compact defense thwarting Nigeria’s attacking trio of Arokodare, Dessers, and Samuel Chukwueze. The visitors occasionally threatened on the counter, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained largely untested.

The victory sets the stage for a critical showdown with Group C leaders South Africa in the next round of qualifiers. A win against Bafana Bafana is essential for Nigeria to close the six-point gap and keep their World Cup hopes alive. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who took charge after a string of disappointing results, praised his team’s determination but warned that tougher challenges lie ahead. “This is just one step. South Africa will be a different test, and we must be clinical,” Eguavoen said post-match.

Fans and analysts alike are optimistic about Arokodare’s emergence as a reliable goal-scorer, especially with Osimhen’s fitness in question. The Wolves forward, who has been in fine form in the English Premier League, dedicated his goal to the Nigerian supporters, saying, “We know how much this means to the fans. We’ll keep fighting for them.”

This is just one step. South Africa will be a different test, and we must be clinical

Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been plagued by inconsistency, with only one win prior to the Rwanda match. The Super Eagles’ struggles have raised concerns about their ability to secure one of Africa’s four automatic World Cup spots. With six matches remaining in the group stage, Nigeria must avoid further slip-ups to overtake South Africa and fend off challenges from Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

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