Victor Osimhen’s clinical finishing propelled Nigeria to a vital 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their CAF World Cup qualification clash, reigniting the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the global stage. Hobnob News reports on the pivotal win that saw Osimhen deliver a decisive performance.
The Napoli striker wasted no time in making his mark, opening the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from Ademola Lookman. His early goal set the tone for Nigeria’s dominance, establishing a crucial lead.
Osimhen then doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the dying moments of the first half, striking again in stoppage time (45+3′) to put the Super Eagles firmly in control. The brace effectively sealed the victory, leaving Rwanda with a daunting task in the second half.
The match was a physical encounter, with both teams displaying tenacity. Rwanda’s D. Bizimana received a yellow card shortly after the restart, followed by Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi, reflecting the intensity of the contest.
Despite maintaining a significant portion of possession (45%), Rwanda struggled to penetrate Nigeria’s resolute defense. They managed only two shots on target, highlighting their struggles in the final third. Nigeria, in contrast, showcased their attacking prowess, registering three shots on target and dominating the corner count with eight.
The crucial victory elevates Nigeria to fourth place in Group C, with six points from five matches. This result keeps their World Cup qualification dreams alive, albeit with a challenging road ahead. South Africa currently leads the group with 10 points, followed by Benin and Rwanda.
With renewed confidence, Nigeria will now focus on their upcoming fixtures, determined to climb the group standings and secure a coveted spot in the next phase of the qualification campaign. Osimhen’s stellar performance provides a significant boost, and the Super Eagles will aim to carry this momentum forward.
