2026 WCQ: Arokodare’s goal earns Nigeria crucial win over Rwanda
yarkarkara
By Emmanuel Okogba
Tolu Arokodare’s 51st minute goal earned Nigeria a much needed win over Rwanda to continue the pursuit for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup.
The new Wolves striker, Arokodare, who came in as a substitute at the beginning of the second half, capitalised on a mix-up in the Rwandan box to flick home the winner which went in after crashing against the crossbar.
The win lifts Nigeria into third position in Group C with 10 points – one below Benin Republic and six behind group leaders and next opponent, South Africa.
Despite dominating throughout, Eric Chelle’s side found it difficult creating chances and Victor Osimhen’s injury in the 35th minute summed up what was a worrying first half for both players and spectators.
The Galatasaray forward had found the back of the net earlier but his effort was correctly ruled out for being in an offside position.
Efforts from Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi also failed to break a resilient Amavubi side.
Arokodare’s introduction at the commencement of the second half proved the game changer as his hold-up play gave room for Simon and Lookman to run behind the Rwandan defence to create opportunities to cross in and cut-backs.
… now South Africa’s Bafana Bafana
The Super Eagles will now face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein in a crunch game on Tuesday.
There are three rounds of fixtures remaining, and only the group winners are assured of a place at the finals next year. So, Nigeria must realistically win that game to stay in contention for top spot, and avoid missing a second successive edition of the World Cup.
However, their hopes could be boosted if South Africa are docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in their victory over Lesotho in March.
World governing body Fifa is yet to rule on that case.
Should Nigeria fail to overhaul Bafana Bafana, they could yet reach African play-offs as one of four best second-placed sides, with one nation then progressing to a final intercontinental qualifier.
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