2026 WC Qualifiers: Osimhen scores twice as Super Eagles beat Rwanda 0-2
On-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored twice on Friday to revive Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a crucial victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi.
The Super Eagles started the match brightly, controlling proceedings from the outset.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.
The former Napoli forward doubled Nigeria’s lead three minutes into first-half injury time, finishing off a counterattack to silence the packed Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Osimhen’s goals secured the win of the evening and apparently rekindled Nigeria’s chances of participating at the 2026 World Cup as they moved up to fourth on the Group C standing with six points and four points adrift of leaders South Africa.
The victory will definitely excite head coach Eric Chelle in what was his first game in charge of the Super Eagles as he embarked on the tedious journey to ensure Nigeria is represented at the grand tournament in North America next year.
The team will now return to Nigeria ahead of the second game against Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday and can move up to second place with a win with the hope that other matches in the group go in their favour.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 1
NiMet predicts three-day dust haze, thunderstorms nationwide from Monday
For Wednesday, the agency forecast sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region throughout the day.
Health
Ebola: Kebbi intensifies surveillance at airport, border
Mr Abubakar stressed the state government’s commitment to protecting residents through proactive disease surveillance.
NationWide
Osoba celebrates veteran journalist Bonuola at 80
Mr Osoba described Mr Bonuola as a serious minded intellectual.
NationWide
SDP presidential candidate seeks balanced media coverage of political parties
Mr Adebayo urged political parties to present clear policy proposals to address the country’s challenges.
States
Bauchi govt clears N5.2 billion gratuity backlog
The government also plans to begin payment of gratuities on Monday to workers who retired in 2015.
Lagos
Opebi-Mende Link Bridge ready by December, says Sanwo-Olu
Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the project comprised four major components.
