Nigeria’s World Cup hopes have once again been ignited after the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The lone goal, scored by Tolu Arokodare in the second half, reignited Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
With this win, the Super Eagles climbed to third place in Group C with 10 points, keeping their dreams of a seventh World Cup appearance alive as the qualification race intensifies.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the match began with the Super Eagles on the front foot.
Just seven minutes after the kick-off striker Victor Osimhen found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Shortly after, Osimhen was forced off the pitch following a series of harsh tackles from the Rwandan defence, making way for Cyriel Dessers.
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi tested Rwanda’s goalkeeper with a powerful long-range strike in the 35th minute, but it was expertly saved. The first half ended goalless.
After the interval, Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle made a substitution, bringing in Arokodare, who recently joined Premier League side Wolves.
Just five minutes later, Arokodare seized his chance, scoring his first competitive goal for Nigeria with an improvised finish inside the box.
Despite pressure from the visitors, Nigeria managed to hold on for the win, securing three vital points that move them up to third place in Group C with 10 points.
However, they remain six points behind group leaders South Africa, who will host the Super Eagles next Tuesday.
In the current Group C standings, South Africa, with 16 points, remains the team to beat after their consistent performances, including a win over Lesotho.
Benin, sits in second with 11 points, while Nigeria’s 10 points keep them in contention. Rwanda’s 8 points and Lesotho’s 6 points mean both teams still have a mathematical chance, though Zimbabwe, languishing at 4 points, faces an uphill battle.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hinge on their upcoming fixtures, particularly a crucial clash against South Africa on September 8, 2025, which could determine the group leader.
The Super Eagles have to win all their remaining three matches and hope South Africa drops points to finish top of group C.
However, finishing second is also a possibility which will ensure Nigeria’s World Cup hopes stand as the Super Eagles will have to battle in a play-off round.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that in Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) divided 54 teams into nine groups of six, with each team playing home and away matches against their group opponents.
Only the group winner secures automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up from the nine groups advance to a playoff round.
Nine African teams are guaranteed a spot at the 2026 World Cup, with the possibility of a 10th taking part.
