Nigeria Vs Rwanda CAF World Cup Qualifiers
Match Overview
Final Score: Nigeria 1–0 Rwanda
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
This stadium is one of Nigeria’s most modern and has hosted recent qualifiers .
Goal Scorer: Tolu Arokodare, who netted a spectacular rebound finish in the 51st minute. His strike was acrobatic and decisive .
This result gives Nigeria vital breathing room they now stand six points behind Group C leaders South Africa and closer to second-placed Benin, with just three matches left
Top of the table equals automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Second place is a potential route to intercontinental playoffs
First Half
A tightly contested opening with limited clear-cut chances.
Ademola Lookman attempted a couple of efforts from the right, but both were off target .
Victor Osimhen also tested the Rwandan defense, though his shot was well blocked .
Second Half
Nigeria raised the tempo early after the break.
51′ – Goal! Arokodare pounced on a loose rebound in Rwanda’s box to score the only goal of the match .
After that, Nigeria maintained pressure:
Moses Simon unleashed a powerful but off-target strike from mid-range .
The hosts repeatedly encroached on Rwanda’s defense, yet couldn’t double their lead .
Discipline
Rwanda saw multiple yellow cards, including to their goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari and Fitina Omborenga .
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was also booked after a confrontation with a Rwandan attacker .
Tactical Insight
Nigeria Dominated possession, pinned Rwanda back, and used width and fluid movement to create chances.
Arokodare’s introduction paid off immediately, highlighting tactical flexibility.
Rwanda:Maintained a defensive mindset, likely in a 4-3-3 structure, looking to counter but struggled to retain possession .
Discipline hurt their rhythm; yellow cards and buildup disruption hindered their flow.
