Nigeria Edge Rwanda 1-0 in World Cup Qualifier: Key Lessons from the Super Eagles’ Victory
Nigeria obtained a crucial 1-0 win over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash on Saturday.
The decider came in the 51st minute when Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to slot home the match-winner. The slim victory, PulseNets learnt, has now lifted the Super Eagles into third place in Group C of the African qualifying zone.
Next up, the three-time African champions face a defining test against table-toppers South Africa on Tuesday, a clash already billed as a make-or-break encounter.
But what exactly did Nigeria’s performance against Rwanda reveal? PulseNets breaks it down:
1. South Africa will demand more from Nigeria
Despite the victory, PulseNets reported that the Super Eagles were again far from convincing. Much of the struggle stemmed from coach Eric Chelle’s tactical setup, which left the right wing unattended. A football analyst told PulseNets that “against Bafana Bafana, Nigeria cannot afford to be this predictable. It is either they raise their game or risk losing grip on World Cup qualification hopes.”
2. Arokodare proving a worthy deputy to Osimhen
Fresh from his Wolves transfer, Arokodare is beginning to carve a reputation as Nigeria’s super-sub. His composed finish against Rwanda marked the second time he has come off the bench to score for the Eagles. PulseNets learnt that with Victor Osimhen unlikely to feature against South Africa, there is growing expectation that Chelle could hand Arokodare a starting role. One insider spoke to PulseNets, saying “Arokodare has the hunger, the strength, and now the confidence to lead the line in Osimhen’s absence.”
3. VAR absence continues to haunt African qualifiers
The lack of VAR remains a sore point in the qualifiers. PulseNets reported that at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Osimhen’s goal was wrongly chalked off for offside despite replays clearly showing he was level with the defender. With no Video Assistant Referee available, Nigeria were once again denied a legitimate goal. Fans told PulseNets it was “a disgrace that at this stage of global football, CAF qualifiers are still run without VAR.”
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Nigeria may have beaten Rwanda, but the real test is only just beginning. PulseNets learnt that victory against South Africa could decide whether the Super Eagles truly have the grit to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Arokodare stepping up and VAR controversies still casting shadows, all eyes now shift to Tuesday’s showdown.
