WCQ: Osimhen's brace resuscitates Nigeria's World Cup hope
Nigeria Super Eagles got their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers back on track with a 0-2 win against Rwanda on Friday in Kigali, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Victor Osimhen's first-half brace got Nigeria the much-needed victory at the Amahoro National Stadium.
The Galatasaray front man set the Super Eagles in a fine trajectory after the had more possession of the ball as he scored from a fine assist from Ademola Lookman's freekick in the 11th minutes.
The visitors sought to double the lead from a curling effort by Moses Simon but goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari pulled up a wonderful save in the 25th minutes.
After the half hour mark, the hosts regained confidence and began to push the Super Eagles into their box, resulting in their first attempt in the 40th minutes which was well handled by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
However, the Eagles managed the pressure and got the second goal at the stroke of half time after Samuel Chukwueze headed Osimhen clean through and he scooped the ball past the stranded goalkeeper to make it 0-2 at half time. His 25th goal for Nigeria to become second highest goal scorer in history.
The Super Eagles played a more effective and efficient game to take all points at the end of the day in the second half.
The win gives the three time African champions their first win in the qualifiers, first win against Rwanda at their home and it is also a first win for Coach Eric Chelle in his first game.
Nigeria is 4th in group with six points, a point adrift Rwanda, two points adrift Benin Republic and 4 points adrift South Africa in group C.
Uche Dozie
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