In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.
Nigeria suffered a blow as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half, replaced by Cyril Dessers. Despite the setback, the Super Eagles maintained pressure to secure the vital win.
The victory moves Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remains on 8 points, making the race for World Cup qualification even tighter.
Fans reacted passionately on social media platforms, with many praising the team’s resilience and expressing concern over Osimhen’s injury.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
FAAC soup for sick states
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Monday Lines 2 FAAC soup for sick states By Lasisi Olagunju (Published on Monday, 07 September, 2026). I cooked this piece’s title from Alice Urquhart Fewell’s ‘Soups for the Sick’ published in 1920. I went for it after I found William Bascom’s ‘Yoruba Cooking’ (1951) very inadequate for my lessons on what…
-
Clerics, politicians, and election money
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Monday Lines 1 Clerics, politicians, and election money By Lasisi Olagunju (Published on Monday, 07 September, 2026). Chief S. L. Akintola, post-independence Premier of the Western Region, knew that when money entered politics, trust could develop wings. There is a story of how he once sent two trusted associates to some people…
-
INEC unveils new strategy for 2027 elections
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled a new operational strategy aimed at strengthening its preparations and identifying potential challenges ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The strategy centres on a real-time monitoring system that will allow the commission’s headquarters to track the preparedness of its offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.…
