On-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored twice on Friday to revive Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a crucial victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi.

The Super Eagles started the match brightly, controlling proceedings from the outset.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.

The former Napoli forward doubled Nigeria’s lead three minutes into first-half injury time, finishing off a counterattack to silence the packed Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

Osimhen’s goals secured the win of the evening and apparently rekindled Nigeria’s chances of participating at the 2026 World Cup as they moved up to fourth on the Group C standing with six points and four points adrift of leaders South Africa.

The victory will definitely excite head coach Eric Chelle in what was his first game in charge of the Super Eagles as he embarked on the tedious journey to ensure Nigeria is represented at the grand tournament in North America next year. 

The team will now return to Nigeria ahead of the second game against Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday and can move up to second place with a win with the hope that other matches in the group go in their favour. 

(NAN)