Victor Osimhen stole the spotlight in Kigali, scoring twice to lead Nigeria to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Napoli forward’s impressive performance not only secured Nigeria’s first win in the qualifiers but also set new personal and national records.
The win marks Nigeria’s first-ever triumph on Rwandan soil after three previous draws, reigniting their qualification hopes and bringing renewed confidence to the Super Eagles squad.
Osimhen Makes History, Eyes Yekini’s Record
Osimhen wasted no time in stamping his authority on the game, opening the scoring in the 11th minute with a perfectly placed header from Ademola Lookman’s well-delivered free kick. The goal was his 24th international strike, surpassing Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami’s long-standing tally of 23 goals.
With that milestone, Osimhen now stands alone as Nigeria’s second-highest all-time goal scorer, moving past greats who once led the national team in attack.
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However, the Napoli striker wasn’t done yet. Just before halftime, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish after outpacing a Rwandan defender and calmly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper. His second goal of the night took his international tally to 25 goals, further cementing his status as one of the greatest goal-scorers in Nigeria’s football history.
Now, Osimhen is just 12 goals shy of equaling the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37 goals—the highest in the history of Nigerian football. At just 25 years old, Osimhen has plenty of time to close the gap and set a new benchmark for future Super Eagles strikers.
Nigeria’s All-Time Top Goal Scorers
1. Rashidi Yekini – 37 goals
2. Victor Osimhen – 25 goals
3. Segun Odegbami – 23 goals
4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 21 goals
5. Ikechukwu Uche – 19 goals
6. Obafemi Martins – 18 goals
7. Sunday Oyarekha – 17 goals
8. Samson Siasia – 16 goals
9. Odion Ighalo – 16 goals
10. Ahmed Musa – 16 goals
With his current scoring rate, Osimhen could break Yekini’s record within the next few years, provided he remains consistent in national team competitions.
Tactical Intelligence and Renewed Belief Under Chelle
Head coach Eric Chelle’s tactical setup played a key role in Nigeria’s victory, as the Super Eagles approached the game with a high-intensity pressing strategy. The attack, led by Osimhen, was complemented by the creative play of Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze, who kept the Rwandan defense under constant pressure.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi dictated the pace of the game, providing defensive cover while also linking up effectively with the forwards. Defensively, the Super Eagles were well-organized, with Stanley Nwabali keeping a clean sheet in goal.
Coach Chelle also gave newcomer Tolu Arokodare his Super Eagles debut, introducing him in the 77th minute as a replacement for Osimhen. The young forward’s inclusion signals Chelle’s intention to build squad depth as Nigeria progresses in the qualifiers.
[/p]Qualification Hopes Back on Track
With the win, Nigeria climbs to fourth place in Group C with six points, keeping their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive. The team’s next fixture will be a crucial home match against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, where they will look to secure another three points and build momentum.
Given the tight competition in Group C, every match is critical. A strong performance against Zimbabwe could set Nigeria up for a dramatic turnaround in their qualification campaign, potentially closing the gap on group leaders South Africa.
Group C Standings After Matchday 5
1. South Africa – 10 points
2. Benin – 8 points
3. Rwanda – 7 points
4. Nigeria – 6 points
5. Lesotho – 3 points
6. Zimbabwe – 2 points
With four matches remaining, the Super Eagles must continue their winning momentum to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans will be hoping that Osimhen’s goal-scoring form continues as Nigeria aims to reclaim its place among the world’s elite football nations.
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