Tolu Arokodare scored a second-half winner to give Nigeria a 1-0 win over Rwanda in their Group A World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.
The new Wolverhampton Wanderers striker made the difference as the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda to claim all three points, reviving Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Coach Eric Chelle benched captain William Ekong, while the usual trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Moses led the attack.
Nigeria started brightly but Osimhen’s goal from Lookman’s pass in the eighth minute was ruled out for offside. The Super Eagles continued to create chances with Moses Simon going close twice, while Alex Iwobi tested Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari from long range.
Osimhen, however, succumbed to injury and was replaced by Cyril Dessers in the 36th minute. The first half ended goalless.
Arokodare was introduced at the start of the second half in a tactical switch and put Nigeria ahead in the 51st minute, blasting into the net from a yard out after a goalmouth scramble.
Ntwari made a double save to deny Simon and Lookman minutes later as the Eagles pressed for more goals. The visitors threatened late on, but Nigeria stayed resolute to secure the win.
The victory is Nigeria’s first in six matches since their 2-0 win at Rwanda on matchday two of the qualifiers.
With the result, Nigeria moved above Rwanda to third position with 10 points from seven matches, one point behind second-placed Benin Republic. They remain six points behind group leaders South Africa, whom they face in a must-win match on September 9.
