Kigali, Rwanda — Despite their disappointing 2-0 loss to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Rwanda defender Fitina Omborenga insists that valuable lessons have been learned from the encounter. The match, which took place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, saw Victor Osimhen bagging a brace in the first half, leaving the hosts struggling to recover.

Omborenga, while reflecting on the game, acknowledged that the early goals scored by the Nigerians had a disorienting effect on the team. He, however, maintained that the performance was not all negative and that there are important takeaways that can benefit them in future matches.

“We Are Disappointed But Not Discouraged” — Omborenga

Speaking to Flashscore, Omborenga admitted that the defeat was painful but urged his teammates to move forward with resilience and determination.

“We are disappointed by the defeat to Nigeria because it does not truly reflect how we played. We approached the match with the ambition to win and stay at the top of the group, but unfortunately, we ended up losing,” he said.

“The first-half goals scored by the Nigerians unsettled us, and we struggled a bit in the second half. Our fans are disappointed with the result.”

The defender, however, expressed optimism that the team has gained valuable experience that will aid them in their next game against Lesotho on Tuesday.

“We have managed to learn some important lessons that will help us in the upcoming qualification matches. Our coach, Adel Amrouche, did not hide his disappointment with the result, but we have moved on, and our focus is now on our next game on Tuesday.”

Opinion: Can Rwanda Bounce Back from the Defeat?

Rwanda’s loss to Nigeria was indeed a tough pill to swallow, especially considering their determination to stay at the top of the group. However, Omborenga’s optimistic outlook demonstrates the spirit of a team that is willing to learn from their mistakes and improve.

The Super Eagles were ruthless in the first half, with Osimhen’s clinical finishing proving to be the difference. However, Rwanda’s effort in the second half suggests that they have the capacity to stand their ground when organized effectively.

As they prepare to face Lesotho, the Warriors must focus on addressing their defensive errors and ensuring their attack is more cohesive. With Omborenga’s mentality of learning and moving forward, Rwanda might just surprise their next opponents.

This is a classic case of a team that needs to channel their disappointment into motivation. Sometimes, defeats can be blessings in disguise, especially if the lessons are well-implemented.

Now, the big question is: Can Rwanda bounce back and regain their form against Lesotho? The answer will depend on how well they respond to the lessons learned from the Nigerian defeat.