Super Eagles Secure First Win Under Eric Chelle: Victor Osimhen’s Brilliance Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive

Nigeria’s Super Eagles made a powerful statement on Friday night, earning a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This was not just an ordinary win; it was the first match under new head coach, Eric Chelle, and it could not have gone better.

All eyes were on Victor Osimhen, and the Galatasaray striker delivered a masterclass in goal-scoring. His remarkable performance saw him net a brace in the first half, taking his tally to 25 goals for the national team.

The opener came through a well-placed side-footed finish from an Ademola Lookman free-kick, a clinical move that displayed both precision and composure. Osimhen wasn’t done yet. His second goal came after he stole the ball on the halfway line, showcasing his speed and confidence by dinking it over the advancing goalkeeper with finesse.

A New Era Under Eric Chelle?

It’s always challenging for a new coach to get off to a strong start, but Eric Chelle seems to have found the right formula early on. This victory not only gives Nigeria their first three points of the qualifiers but also boosts the team’s morale under their new leadership.

Moving up to third place in the group, thanks to South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho, the Super Eagles have shown they are ready to reclaim their spot at the summit.

The Victor Osimhen Show

One thing is becoming increasingly clear—Victor Osimhen is a national treasure. His ability to remain composed under pressure, find the back of the net effortlessly, and inspire his teammates has made him an irreplaceable asset to the Super Eagles.

Some fans are already predicting he will surpass Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goal-scoring record sooner rather than later. With his tally now at 25 goals, Osimhen’s hunger for success is evident, and his desire to lead Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup looks unstoppable.

Looking Ahead

Next up for the Super Eagles is a clash against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Eric Chelle’s men will be eager to build on this positive start and keep their qualification hopes on track.

Opinion: Why Osimhen Is the Key to Nigeria’s Success

Victor Osimhen is proving to be much more than a goal scorer—he’s a leader. His influence on the pitch is magnetic, drawing the best out of his teammates. If the Super Eagles continue to build around his strengths, the 2026 World Cup could very well see Nigeria make history.