The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept the flicker of their 2026 World Cup hopes alive with a 1-0 win over the Wasps of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6.

Reeling from a dismal draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo in their last qualifier in March, the Super Eagles, desperate for a win against Zambia — the only team they had beaten so far in the qualifiers — started on a brighter note with spells of possession and chances. About 18 minutes in, it seemed as though the deadlock had been broken when Victor Osimhen, off the unsettled Ademola Lookman’s cross, converted at close range. However, the linesman’s flag went up to deny the three-time African champions what would have been a promising start.

The Super Eagles were dealt yet another blow when Osimhen came off injured in the 35th minute.  Replaced by Cyriel Dessers, the remainder of the first half offered little to cheer.

With the game still within reach, Eric Chelle introduced the lanky forward Tolu Arokodare for the second half, and it turned out to be the game’s turning point. Barely five minutes after his introduction, the new Wolverhampton Wanderers signing reacted the quickest to a loose ball to convert from close range.

Tolu’s effort ultimately proved enough for the Super Eagles to secure a much-needed three points over the Wasps. The victory lifts them to third in the group with 10 points, six adrift of table-toppers South Africa, whom they will face away on Tuesday, September 9.