Nigeria defeats Rwanda 1-0 to maintain World Cup aspirations
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification ambitions were maintained on Saturday as they defeated Rwanda 1-0 at home thanks to an overhead kick from substitute Tolu Arokodare early in the second half.
With three games left, the victory put them six points behind leaders South Africa and up to third place in the standings. Tuesday’s match between Nigeria and South Africa could be the pivotal match of the Group C campaign.
Despite utilizing a defaulter in March, South Africa is anticipated to lose three points, but unexpectedly, FIFA has not yet imposed any sanctions.
The North American finals in 2026 are automatically open to the group winners.
Nigeria may have to play without their star scorer Victor Osimhen on Tuesday after the former African Footballer of the Year was sent off due to a left foot injury sustained in the first half. His plans to travel to South Africa are still uncertain.
Recently signed by Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arokodare touched Ola Aina’s shot in the 52nd minute, sending the ball in from just under the bar as Nigeria eventually broke through a strong visiting defense.
Rwanda’s seven Group C games have earned them eight points, dropping them to fourth place in the rankings.
Despite missing out on the most recent event in Qatar, Nigeria has advanced to six World Cup finals.
