Victor Osimhen fired Nigeria to their first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a superb brace against Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium on Friday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles got off to a fast start after Ademola Lookman’s cross was turned into the back of the net by Osimhen’s volley to put them ahead within eleven first half minutes. Osimhen then put Nigeria two goals up just before half-time, taking charge of Samuel Chukwueze’s half clearance before lobbing Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
With a much needed victory secured by the Super Eagles, Footynaija.com rates the performances of Eric Chelle’s men during the game.
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Stanley Nwabali: 6.7
The Super Eagles goalkeeper had a rather routine day at the office, with Rwanda never actually troubling his area. He made a couple of stops and commanded his box pretty well. Overall, it was a decent outing for the 28-year-old.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: 6.0
Osayi-Samuel put in a solid shift at right-back but found it increasingly difficult to cope with the game’s physical demands as time progressed. He also contributed very little going forward, before an injury in the latter stages of the game saw him replaced Alhassan Yusuf.
William Troost-Ekong: 6.9
The Super Eagles captain delivered another strong defensive performance, effectively organizing the backline alongside his partner Calvin Bassey, with both defenders giving nothing away all game. His experience proved invaluable for Nigeria in this game
Calvin Bassey: 7.0
Bassey put in a solid display, and was arguably Nigeria’s best defender in today’s game. His solid form in the Premier League for Fulham was once again on display as he helped the Super Eagles to a shutout.
Ola Aina: 6.5
Aina put in a solid performance despite playing out of position at left-back. He maintained defensive stability but might have been more involved offensively in his preferred right-back position.
Wilfred Ndidi: 6.9
Ndidi was dominant in the middle of the park for large parts of the game and his presence in that midfield neutralized Rwanda’s creativity, consigning the Amavubi to very limited forays into Nigeria’s attacking third.
Alex Iwobi: 6.4
Iwobi was deployed further behind from the position where he has shone for Fulham this season and he largely struggled to influence the game. Nevertheless, he managed to show one or two glimpses of his quality during the game.
Moses Simon: 6.8
Simon was often isolated on the left flank but he managed to have some level of impact in the final third. He nearly found the net himself in the first half, forcing a strong save from Fiacre Ntwari.
Samuel Chukwueze: 6.5
Chukwueze assisted Osimhen’s second goal but the AC Milan winger was largely non-existent for most of the game until his substitution in the second half.
Ademola Lookman: 7.0
The reigning Africa Best Player of the Year set up Osimhen’s opener with a beautifully floated cross. Lookman was unable to get a goal in this game but he managed to produce one decisive moment. A good day at the office for the Atalanta winger.
Victor Osimhen: 8.0
Osimhen’s goal-scoring form was evident once again as bagged two first half goals to give the Super Eagles a lifeline in this qualifying campaign. His performance overall was impressive and he showed why he is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.
Substitutes
Bruno Onyemaechi: 6.0
Onyemaechi replaced Aina at left-back and the Olympiacos star put in a decent shift to help Nigeria see out the game.
Raphael Onyedika: 6.5
Onyedika came on for Iwobi and instantly stabilized the midfield for the Super Eagles, allowing Ndidi to operate with more freedom as Nigeria controlled the game in the final minutes.
Alhassan Yusuf: 6.0
Yusuf replaced Osayi-Samuel late on after the left-back picked up an injury. Despite playing out of position, he helped Nigeria secure a clean sheet.
Tolu Arokodare: 5.5
Arokodare came on for the last 15 minutes of the game but the Genk forward failed to make any meaningful impact on his debut and received a yellow card in stoppage time.
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