By Bamidele Aremu
Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial lifeline in their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday evening, edging Rwanda 1-0 in a tense encounter decided by a moment of brilliance from substitute Tolu Arokodare.
Arokodare, introduced shortly after the restart, produced an acrobatic finish in the 50th minute that broke the deadlock and ultimately sealed victory for the three-time African champions. The win, coming in a must-not-lose fixture, ensures Nigeria remain in contention in Group C, where they trail leaders South Africa by six points and sit five behind second-placed Benin with only three matches left to play.
The result revives Nigeria’s fragile hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as only group winners qualify automatically, while runners-up must navigate a perilous intercontinental playoff. A defeat would have virtually ended the Super Eagles’ campaign, but Saturday’s win offers coach and players a glimmer of hope as the qualification race heads into its final stretch.
