Utweets
The Super Eagles defeated the Amavubi of Rwanda 2-0 in their fifth game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
A brace from Victor Osimhen was all the team needed to secure their first-ever win in the qualification campaign.
The 26-year-old’s two clinical strikes in the first half separated Nigeria from their hosts at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali on Friday evening.
The match was also Eric Chelle’s first game with the Eagles since he was named the team’s head coach in January.
The Eagles came into the game with massive pressure after failing to win their previous four games of the qualifiers. But the team showed little jitter as they bossed the encounter in front of an antagonistically full stadium.
Below is how each Super Eagles player performed in the 2-0 win:
SUPER EAGLES’ PLAYER RATINGS:
Stanley Nwabali (GK): Epitome of composure as usual. He used his calmness to douse the pressure as Rwanda gained the upper hand towards the end of the first half, allowing the players to regain their composure before striking to double the lead. Easily handled the shots that came his way. 4.5/5
Ola Aina (DR): He was more of a full-back than a wing-back in Chelle’s first match and did not disappoint. He did not allow attacks on his wing, bar a mistake that gifted a corner kick to Rwanda, and was composed all night. 3/5
William Troost-Ekong (C, DF): Led the team in his usual calm manner. Could have added a goal or two to his assured display. 4/5
Calvin Bassey (DC): Energetic and was everywhere in defence and assisted Ndidi in midfield to ensure the Rwandans had little success in attack. 4/5
Bright Osayi-Samuel (DL): Like Aina, the full-back was more defensive and proved he was up to the task, as Rwanda’s attack mostly emanated from his side. 3.5/5
Wilfred Ndidi (DM): Covered every blade of grass in the centre of the park with much success, allowing the attacking players to stick more to their task of scoring goals. Another successfully battling display. 4/5
Alex Iwobi (MC): He was paired in central midfield to serve as a link to the attackers and did his job with much success. He was cautious in his movement into attack but was always available to collect the ball and supply the frontline effectively. 3.5/5
Samuel Chukwueze (WG): The winger was his dribbling self with some success. His decision-making still needs improvement, but he was more effective than in previous matches. 3/5
Moses Simon (WG): Was more effective than Chukwueze. Won the free kick that led to the opener and was denied a goal by a brilliant save. Kept the Rwanda defence on their toes all day. 3.5/5
Ademola Lookman (ST): The reigning African Footballer of the Year created the opener with a well-taken free-kick and was a handful for the defence. He also joined in pressing the Rwandans to make mistakes. A good night’s work for the Atalanta forward. 4/5
Victor Osimhen (ST): The passionate striker was in inspired form for the Eagles, getting on the end of a free-kick for his first before showing his pressing qualities to steal the ball before delivering an exquisite finish. Man of the match. 5/5
SUBSTITUTES
Bruno Onyemaechi (FB): Continued from where Aina stopped with a good defensive shift. 3/5
Raphael Onyedika (MC): He added bodies in midfield, and his presence reduced the hosts’ success in midfield. 3/5
Alhassan Yusuf (MC): N/A
Tolu Arokodare (ST): N/A
