It was the dream outing for Galatasaray talisman Victor Osimhen as his brace lifted the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a comfortable win in Rwanda.
First World Cup qualifying Appearance for Nigeria and first goal For Victor Osimhen and officially his 24th goal for Nigeria and he’s Nigeria 2nd highest goal scorer. Just behind Rashidi Yekini that’s on 37. pic.twitter.com/JGRFdcNoF4
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) March 21, 2025
The Eagles came into the game needing all three points to revive their hopes of qualification for the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico and as such started out on the front foot.
There was the new energy caused in part by new coach Eric Chelle right from the prompt reporting to training camp in Kigali.
Ademola Lookman came into the game a man on fire as he constantly caused trouble for the Rwandese down the right hand flank, but his markersr proved dogged in the opening stages.
Just 10 minutes into the game, the Super Eagles were awarded a freekick on the edge of the area, and Ademola Lookman floated a beautiful ball into the box for Osimhen to tap home for the Eagles first goal.
The Eagles kept pressing and forcing the Rwandans into errors, especially through Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
This pressure yielded rewards once again, as Osimhen stole the ball off the Rwandan defenders on the halfway line, raced all the way into the penalty area, before he chipped Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari for his second of the evening.
The Rwandese then started to grow into the game, as they made threatening attacking transitions only for the Super Eagles defence to snuff out their attempts at goal.
The second half saw the shock removal of Ola Aina and the introduction of Bruno Onyemaechi, with Raphael Onyedika also coming on for the misfiring Samuel Chukwueze.
Ademola Lookman looked to be the man to add the Super Eagles third goal, but it was not to be as his shous on goal was constantly blocked by the Rwanda defence.
It was also a Super Eagles debut for new boy Tolu Arokodare, who replaced the red-hot Osimhen.
It was an improved performance overall for the Super Eagles as they now sit fourth with six points, just one behind third-placed Rwanda, signalling a good start for Eric Chelle’s tenure.
It was the first win and first clean sheet for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers as well as the first-ever victory in Rwanda.
Up next is another must-win World Cuo qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Nest of Champions in Uyo Tuesday.
By Aboluwade God’s Treasure
