Nigeria kept their faint hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Super Eagles began the game under immense pressure, sitting fourth in the group with just seven points—nine behind leaders South Africa.

Victor Osimhen thought he had given Nigeria the lead in the first half after tapping home from close range, but the goal was controversially ruled out for offside. Replays, however, suggested the Napoli striker was onside, sparking frustration among fans as VAR was not in operation during the qualifier.

Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the second half, when substitute Tolu Arokodare bundled the ball into the net to seal a much-needed win for the three-time African champions.

The result lifted Nigeria into third place in the group, setting up a decisive clash against South Africa in just three days’ time.

Opinion:
This wasn’t the free-flowing, dominant performance many fans had hoped for, but in qualifiers, results often matter more than style. The Super Eagles looked nervous at times, and the disallowed goal highlighted once again the absence of VAR in African qualifiers—something that continues to hurt the integrity of the competition.

Still, credit must be given to the team. Arokodare’s introduction brought urgency, and his goal showed the value of having hungry players fighting for a place in the squad. For Osimhen, the frustration will linger, but his work rate and presence remain invaluable.

The bigger picture, however, is clear: Nigeria’s World Cup hopes remain alive, but only just. The clash against South Africa will be a true test of character and quality. If the Super Eagles are to convince fans they deserve a spot on the world stage, they must find consistency, killer instinct, and belief.

For now, it’s a narrow win, a lifeline, and a reminder that in football, hope—no matter how slim—should never be underestimated.