The Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been revived with a clinical 2-0 victory over the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, on Friday night. This historic win marks Nigeria’s first-ever triumph on Rwandan soil, an achievement that has stirred excitement among fans and football analysts alike.

Two superb first-half goals from Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray forward, sealed the much-needed three points for the Super Eagles. The first goal came from a delightful side-footed finish following Ademola Lookman’s precise free-kick delivery. Osimhen quickly added the second with an impressive solo effort, stealing the ball at the halfway line and effortlessly lobbing it over the goalkeeper.

Speaking after the match, head coach Eric Chelle expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite the short preparation time.

“It was a difficult game; Rwanda have a great team. I am proud of my players’ performance. We worked a lot within the few days. We had just two full training sessions. We kept the ball well in the second half—good performance from my guys,” Chelle said.

The Road to Redemption

The Super Eagles now occupy fourth place in Group C with six points from five games, rekindling their hopes of securing a ticket to the World Cup. The win also marks a positive start for Chelle, who is eager to bring stability and creativity to the team’s gameplay.

Opinion: Chelle’s Tactics Show Promise, But More Work Is Needed

Chelle’s tactical approach in Kigali was a welcome improvement, especially with the effective use of Victor Osimhen’s attacking prowess. However, it’s clear that the Super Eagles need to enhance their midfield coordination and defensive solidity. The Ndidi-Iwobi pairing continues to show creativity but leaves the team’s defense vulnerable to counterattacks.

The Super Eagles must build on this performance and secure more convincing wins to confidently book their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their next test comes against Zimbabwe on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Can Chelle maintain the momentum and improve the team’s overall performance? Nigerian fans are watching closely!