World Cup (Q): Nigeria overcome Osimhen injury to edge Rwanda

Halftime substitute Tolu Arokodare’s goal early in the second half was enough for hosts Nigeria to defeat a scrappy Rwanda side on Saturday in 2026 World Cup qualifying action from Group C in the African region.

⚽️ Wolves ‘s new striker Tolu Arokodare !!

🇳🇬 Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda 🇷🇼pic.twitter.com/UBvoylf8IN

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 6, 2025

The big money Wolves signing made an instant impact to keep the Super Eagles’ qualifying hopes alive at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, creating danger in the 51st minute before bundling in the only goal of the match from close range.

Visitors Rwanda did all they could to disrupt the match and Amavubi’s strategy was largely successful in the first half. A poor first half from the hosts was made even worse when star Victor Osimhen was forced off due to an apparent leg injury following an aggressive challenge from a Rwandan defender. Osimhen’s loss could be a bitter blow before Nigeria’s crucial second match in the September FIFA window at South Africa.

But Arokodare gave Nigeria the physical presence they needed up top. The in-form striker received a pass in the penalty area from left back Bruno Onyemaechi and held the ball up before returning a pass to Onyemaechi, whose cross caused chaos in the Rwandan six-yard box before Arokodare swept in from his backside for the only goal of the match.

Nigeria are now six points back of Group C leaders South Africa before facing Bafana Bafana in a must-win match away from home on Tuesday. The Super Eagles surpassed Rwanda for third place in the group and are only one point back of neighbors Benin in second place, who also won 1-0 on Friday against Zimbabwe.

Rwanda will face Zimbabwe in South Africa for their next Group C match, also on Tuesday.

Group C Table (7 matches played)

1. South Africa- 16 points
2. Benin- 11 points
3. Nigeria- 10 points
4. Rwanda- 8 points
5. Lesotho- 6 points
6. Zimbabwe- 4 points