“We Are Saved”: Fans React As Nigeria Beat Rwanda 1-0 in 2026 WCQ, Tolu Arokodare Scores
- Nigeria beat Rwanda 1-0 in their match 7 of the 2026 CAF Qualification Group on Saturday evening, September 6
- Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored a goal in the 51st minute to put smiles on the faces of the fans at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium
- Football fans are optimistic that the Super Eagles can still qualify, having garnered 11 points from seven matches
Nigeria are back in the race to secure a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles narrowly beat the Amavubi by a lone goal at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday evening, September 6.
Source: Getty Images
A crucial goal from Wolves' new signing Tolu Arokodare ensured Nigeria registered their second win in the CAF Qualification Group C.
The three-time AFCON winners' first win was against Rwanda (2-0) at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, last March.
Goalless first half between Nigeria and Rwanda
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen converted a low cross from Ademola Lookman to give the Super Eagles the lead, but he was ruled offside in the 7th minute.
The heartbreaking moment came in the 31st minute as Victor Osimhen was taken off following an injury in the first half. Eric Chelle introduced former Rangers forward Cyril Dessers, who is making his first competitive appearance.
The Super Eagles failed to break the defensive line of the Rwandan team as the scores ended 0-0 in the first 45 minutes, per Vavel.
Second half: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made a tactical change at the beginning of the first half, replacing Frank Onyeka with Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria resumed the second half fired up as the Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was booked by the referee in the 46th minute. Right-back Fitina Omborenga also received a yellow card, making it three players booked in the match for Rwanda.
In the 51st minute, Wolves' new signing Arokodare scored the opening goal for Nigeria after several rebounds inside the penalty box of the Amavuabi.
In the 67th minute, Rwanda almost got an equaliser through Djihad Bizimana's header, but it went wide. Seven minutes later, Moses Simon tried to double the lead with a powerful right-foot shot but was stopped by the goalkeeper.
Source: Getty Images
During the dying minutes of the game, Nigeria tried to compound the woes of Rwanda, but they were unable to convert their chances.
Tolu Arokodare was adjudged the Carloha/Chery's Man of the Match in the encounter.
Fans react
@thomaxspeaks said:
"Yes we are saved."
@DayoJoshua123 wrote:
"Best Replacement for d Super Eagles is Akorede."
@Dolapo2711 added:
"We’re winning the World Cup 🇳🇬😅."
@Folugboji said:
"Almost at the finish. Put another in the net 💪."
@ArusiwonO wrote:
"He's a really good player with nice control and first tough."
@ChiefOnyedika added:
"Maybe we need to start playing two up top now since that’s the only way we can get a goal."
@Nofacenocase181 said:
"He is a better striker than Osimhen."
@MrFEM0 wrote:
"Watch Rwanda play without their unnecessary delay. They really wanted us to draw.😂"
Sodje says Nigeria can still qualify.
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Super Eagles star Efe Sodje remains optimistic that Nigeria will clinch one of the available tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Brentford legend explained that the three-time AFCON winners can still turn the tide around with the array of stars in the squad.
Source: Legit.ng
