*Osimhen suffers first half injury
Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Saturday, secured a hard-fought victory against the Amavubi of Rwanda in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A second half goal by substitute Tolu Arokodare was all the Super Eagles needed to secure the maximum three points and put their qualification hopes back on track.
It was a tight contest that kept the home fans on the edge, with Nigeria dominating possession but struggling to break down Rwanda’s disciplined backline.
The first half ended in frustration as talisman Victor Osimhen was substituted due to a knock, leaving the Eagles without their most lethal weapon.
The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute, courtesy of substitute Arokodare. Barely five minutes after entering the pitch, the lanky forward reacted quickest to a rebound, hitting home to send the crowd into wild celebrations.
Nigeria held firm thereafter, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali pulling off a smart save late on to preserve the lead. Rwanda pressed for an equaliser but could not find a way past the resolute Nigerian defence.
The result means Nigeria now sits third in Group C with 10 points from seven matches, behind South Africa (16 points) and Benin Republic (11 points).
Up next for the Eagles is a do-or-die clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, where another victory could dramatically reshape the group standings and revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
