Tolu Arokodare’s 51st-minute goal gave Nigeria a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Nigeria kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home. Both teams were cautious in the first half, which ended goalless.
Nigeria’s defense, led by Calvin Bassey, stood strong against Rwanda’s late surge. The win came despite an early blow as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off and was replaced by Cyril Dessers.
The result lifts Nigeria to 10 points in Group C, while Rwanda stays on 8. Fans celebrated the win but expressed concern over Osimhen’s injury ahead of the remaining qualifiers.