Arokodare Strike Seals Vital Win as Eagles Survive Rwanda Scare

Nigeria’s Super Eagles snatched a crucial 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Tolu Arokodare.
Introduced after the break, Arokodare wasted no time, tucking home Ola Aina’s pinpoint delivery in the 51st minute to hand Nigeria the lead in a tense Group C clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Rwanda fought back fiercely, carving out chances and forcing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into a string of vital saves that kept the visitors at bay. Nigeria, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter, with Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman both testing Rwanda’s Ntwari Fiacre.
With the win, Nigeria moved to seven points, trailing Rwanda on eight, while leaders South Africa sit comfortably on 16. Only group winners are guaranteed a ticket to the 2026 finals, raising the stakes for the Eagles’ next clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Hard-earned and nervy, Saturday’s triumph was less about style than survival — and Nigeria will need plenty more of that grit to navigate a group where every point counts.