Nigeria got their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a 2-0 win over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday.
A first-half brace from Victor Osimhen sealed the victory as the Super Eagles registered their first win of the qualification series.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, slotting home from close range after connecting with an Ademola Lookman free kick.
The forward doubled Nigeria’s lead just before half-time, sprinting into the box and expertly chipping the ball past Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari.
With this crucial win, we rate the performances of the Super Eagles players.
Player ratings
Stanley Nwabali – 8
Barely tested throughout the game but made a crucial save in the first half. Handled crosses well and was composed in goal to secure Nigeria’s clean sheet.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6
Defensively solid, but had a quiet game in attack. Made a few forward runs in the second half before being forced off with an injury.
Ola Aina – 6
Played as a left-back instead of his natural right-back position but adapted well. Made some important tackles and ventured forward occasionally. Faded in the second half and was substituted.
Calvin Bassey – 8
Rock-solid in defence and read the game well. One of his best performances for Nigeria, ensuring the Rwandan attack posed little threat.
William Troost-Ekong – 8
Commanding at the back and contributed offensively with two good chances from set-pieces. His experience helped maintain Nigeria’s defensive stability.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7
Dominant in midfield, shielding the defence effectively and breaking up Rwanda’s attacks. Maintained control in both halves.
Alex Iwobi – 7
Kept things simple in the first half, but was more involved in the second, pressing high and linking play well.
Moses Simon – 6
Forced a good save from the Rwandan goalkeeper in the first half, but was quiet for most of the game, especially in the second half.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6
Struggled to impact the game but assisted Osimhen’s second goal with a well-placed header.
Victor Osimhen – 9
The match-winner. Scored twice and was a constant threat to the Rwandan defence. His movement, strength, and finishing made the difference.
Ademola Lookman – 8
A lively presence throughout the game. Assisted Osimhen’s first goal and was key in most of Nigeria’s attacking moves.
Substitutes
Bruno Onyemaechi – 5
Replaced Aina and provided stability in defence.
Raphael Onyedika – 5
Came on for Chukwueze and helped reinforce the midfield.
Alhassan Yusuf – 5
Slotted in at right-back after replacing Osayi-Samuel and saw out the game with ease.
Tolu Arokodare – 5
Replaced Osimhen and showed glimpses of his ability in attack.
