Victor Osimhen’s brace made sure Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 comfortably at the Amahoro Stadium in their World Cup qualifier on Friday evening.
FULL TIME!
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) March 21, 2025
Victor Osimhen's first-half brace gets the Nigeria the much-needed victory in Kigali.#RWANGA #WCQ pic.twitter.com/1BrHusJXNa
The victory was a crucial one for the Super Eagles, as they climbed up to fourth in the Group C standings in their bid to correct their campaign and qualify for the international showpiece to be hosted in North America next year.
Nigeria was comfortably in the driving seat from the beginning, holding the majority of possession and dictating play. Their breakthrough came early in the 11th minute, as Ademola Lookman’s freekick on the wing saw Osimhen get on the end of it to knock it into the goal from close range.
Another opportunity presented itself as play continued, as Lookman and Osimhen linked up once again to put Moses Simon through on goal, however, Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari made the save in the 25th minute to deny them.
With Lookman particularly troublesome on the wing, the Amavubi defence had to work tirelessly to keep the Atalanta forward at bay. The end of the first half saw them begin to gain confidence on the ball, however, it was short-lived as the Super Eagles did well to defend their territory.
Lookman 🤝 Osimhen
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 21, 2025
The Super Eagles take an early lead against Rwanda.
It's a 24th goal for the striker in the Nigerian jersey 🇳🇬
📺 Stream #WCQ live: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/IVBEZRaBk6
Osimhen completed his brace on the stroke of halftime, with the striker lurking and beating the last defender, as he chipped the ball over Ntwari to get the ball into the back of the net once again.
Nigeria get their first #WCQ win and move up the log in Group C to fourth 🇳🇬⏫ pic.twitter.com/bWHNGSJQCv
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 21, 2025
The beginning of the second stanza saw Rwanda concede a free kick in a dangerous area. The set piece was taken by Lookman as he went for goal, but Ntwari was on high alert to deny the in-form forward.
Rwanda’s Bonheur Mugisha had the first convincing opportunity on goal for the home team, but Super Eagles keeper Stanley Nwabali made the save in the 53rd minute.
The visitors continued to look for their third goal, but the Rwandans held on to avoid conceding once more.
Rwanda 0
Nigeria (2) 2 (Osimhen 11’, 45+3’)
Rwanda: F. Ntwari, F. Omborenga, A. Mutsinzi, T. Manzi, C. Niyomugabo, S. Gueulette (G. Mugisha 39’), D. Bizimana, B. Mugisha, I. Nshuti (Y. Habimana 82’), H. Sahabo (K. Muhire 58’), J. Kwizera (J. Ruboneka 82’)
Nigeria: S. Nwabali, O. Aina (B. Onyemaechi 67’), C. Bassey, W. Troost-Ekong, B. Osayi-Samuel (A. Yusuf 77’), W. Ndidi, S. Chukwueze (R. Onyedika 67’), A. Iwobi, V. Osimhen (T. Arokodare 77’)