The Super Eagles of Nigeria laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup Qualifier match played on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
New Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, an halftime change, scored the game’s only goal goal to get Nigeria back to winning ways.
Eric Chelle’s side, who had won just one of their past nine World Cup qualifying matches, were under pressure to win at home following wins for Benin Republic and South Africa on Friday.
The Franco-Malian tactician handed a surprising start to former U20 international Benjamin Frederick at the expense of skipper William Troost-Ekong. Stanley Nwabali also started in goal despite his injury scare while on club duties last week.
It was a difficult start for the Super Eagles in front of a sizable crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. To make matters worse, Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before he went off injured due to a nasty ankle injury. He was replaced by Cyriel Dessers for his first competitive debut in a Nigerian shirt.
The uninspiring half ended goalless, with Nigeria failing to trouble goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. After the break, Chelle looked to his bench and sent on new Wolves Striker Tolu Arokodare in place of midfielder Frank Onyeka.
Just five minutes after the restart, the former Genk striker bundled one in for his first competitive goal in a Super Eagles shirt.
From that moment on, Nigeria did everything possible to keep the lead intact, as Chelle made defensive changes by sending William Troost-Ekong, and Samuel Osayi-Samuel ON for Cyriel Dessers and Ola Aina respectively. In the end, Nigeria held on for just their second win in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying series.
Super Eagles moved up to the third on the log with 10 points, while Rwanda dropped to fourth. Eric Chelle’s side will travel to face group leaders South Africa, who have 16 points, in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
