The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker proved to be the difference, while goalkeeper Christian Nwabali put in another assured display between the sticks.
Ademola Lookman provided the assist for the opener, swinging in a perfect cross for Osimhen to finish in the 11th minute. Just before halftime, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead, capitalizing on Samuel Chukwueze’s half-clearance before expertly dinking the ball past Fiacre Ntwari.
Despite Rwanda’s defensive approach, the Super Eagles controlled the game and managed to keep a clean sheet, with William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey leading the defense well. Below are the player ratings for the Nigerian team.
Super Eagles Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defenders
1. Christian Nwabali – 6.8/10
The Chippa United shot-stopper delivered another solid performance, making two key saves to deny the Amavubi. He also acted as a sweeper on several occasions, showing confidence in distribution.
2. Ola Aina – 6.4/10
The Nottingham Forest full-back played out of position at left-back but still managed a decent performance. He was defensively sound, though he wasn’t as effective in attack as he would have liked. Replaced by Bruno Onyemaechi in the 68th minute.
3. William Troost-Ekong – 6.8/10
The Al-Kholood defender provided leadership and composure in the backline. He was strong in aerial duels, kept the defense well-organized, and even had a few attempts on goal.
4. Calvin Bassey – 6.9/10
A solid outing from the Fulham defender, who completed 95% of his passes and won most of his duels. His physicality was crucial in keeping Rwanda’s attackers quiet.
5. Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6.2/10
The Fenerbahçe defender struggled with the physicality of the game as time went on. While defensively stable, he did not contribute much in attack, leaving the right flank isolated. An injury forced him off in the second half.
Midfielders
6. Alex Iwobi – 6.6/10
The Fulham midfielder had a shaky start with some heavy touches but improved as the game progressed. His positional awareness was questionable early on, but he adapted after moving further forward following Chukwueze’s substitution.
7. Wilfred Ndidi – 6.7/10
The Leicester City enforcer was vital in breaking up Rwanda’s attacks and dictated the tempo of the game from midfield. His defensive positioning helped Nigeria limit the Amavubi’s attempts on goal.
Forwards
8. Ademola Lookman – 6.9/10
The Atalanta winger provided the assist for the opening goal with a pinpoint cross. He was well-marked by Rwanda’s defenders, limiting his impact in open play, but his set-pieces were dangerous.
9. Moses Simon – 6.8/10
Despite being isolated on the flank for large parts of the game, the FC Nantes winger kept driving forward. He forced a good save from the Rwandan keeper and remained a constant threat.
10. Samuel Chukwueze – 6.6/10
The AC Milan winger assisted Osimhen’s second goal, but he faded in the second half. He didn’t impose himself on the game as much as expected before being replaced in the 68th minute.
11. Victor Osimhen – 7.5/10 (Man of the Match)
A brilliant performance from the Galatasaray striker, who scored twice and was a constant menace to the Rwandan defense. His pressing, movement, and finishing were top-class, ensuring Nigeria secured all three points in Kigali. Replaced in the 75th minute.
Substitutes
12. Alhassan Yusuf – 6/10
Came on for Osayi-Samuel and did a solid job defensively. Kept things tight at the back.
13. Bruno Onyemaechi – 6/10
Replaced Ola Aina and created a good chance for Osimhen, which wasn’t converted. Defensively sound.
14. Raphael Onyedika – 6/10
Helped tighten up the midfield, allowing Ndidi more freedom to control the game.
15. Tolu Arokodare – 5/10
Came on for Osimhen but barely had an impact. Picked up a yellow card in stoppage time.
Unused Substitutes
Victor Boniface, Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Gift Ogbu, Jordan Torunarigha, Joe Aribo, Daniel Papa Mustapha, Umar Sadiq.
Final Verdict
Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda was a much-needed win after a poor start to the qualifiers. Victor Osimhen was the standout performer, while Nwabali, Ndidi, and Troost-Ekong also put in solid performances.
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However, Bright Osayi-Samuel struggled physically, and the attackers weren’t as sharp in the second half. If the Super Eagles want to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they will need to build on this momentum and improve their attacking fluidity.
