Tolu Arokodare scored a decisive second-half winner to give Nigeria a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their Group C World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, who recently joined the Premier League side, made the difference as the Super Eagles claimed all three points to revive their hopes of qualifying for the tournament.
Coach Eric Chelle opted to bench captain William Ekong, while the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Moses spearheaded Nigeria’s frontline. The Super Eagles started brightly, with Osimhen finding the net from a Lookman assist in the eighth minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Moses Simon going close twice and Alex Iwobi testing Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari from long range. However, Osimhen was forced off with an injury in the 36th minute and replaced by Cyril Dessers, as the first half ended goalless.
Arokodare was introduced at the start of the second half in a tactical switch, and the towering striker made an immediate impact, blasting into the net from close range in the 51st minute to hand Nigeria the lead. Minutes later, Ntwari pulled off a double save to deny Simon and Lookman as the Super Eagles pushed for a second goal.
The visitors threatened late in the game, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure a crucial win. The result marked Nigeria’s first victory in six matches since their 2-0 triumph over Rwanda on matchday two of the qualifiers.
With the win, Nigeria climbed above Rwanda into third place in Group C, accumulating 10 points from seven matches, just one point behind second-placed Benin Republic. The Super Eagles remain six points behind group leaders South Africa, whom they will face in a must-win clash in Bloemfontein on September 9.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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