Pius Ayinor
Nigeria kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive with a slim 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday. It is a desperately needed victory that fans of the Super Eagles have dubbed “a win is a win.”
The Super Eagles came into the game sitting poorly in fourth place with seven points, nine behind leaders South Africa and also trailing behind Republic of Benin and Rwanda.
The match in Uyo started well and the Eagles appeared to have opened the scoring in the seventh minute, but Victor Osimhen’s tap-in was ruled out for offside. Immediate replays showed Osimhen was onside, but VAR was not in use at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria endured a difficult start as star striker Osimhen was forced off with an early injury.
The first half ended goalless despite the Eagles dominating possession.
The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when new Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare scored to give Nigeria a vital lead and it eventually became the only goal of the game.
The strike proved decisive, as the Eagles held firm to secure all three points and keep their qualification hopes alive.
This result takes Nigeria into third place, ahead of their game against South Africa in three days’ time.
Nigeria will next face South Africa in their next World Cup qualifying game on Tuesday.
Extrasportnigeria 
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