Nigeria kept their slim 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday evening.
The Super Eagles were able to call on all their big names as coach Eric Chelle decided to start Victor Osimhen Ademola Lookman in the attack, while Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari made his first start of the new season, starting for Rwanda.
Nigeria knew that only a win would suffice, especially after both Group C leaders South Africa and Benin secured victories on Friday evening.
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Despite the stakes on offer for both sides, neither were able to find a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes in Uyo.
The Super Eagles did suffer a blow before the break when star striker Osimhen was forced off with an injury.
Both sides opted for a change at the start of the second half, as Nigeria threw on Tolu Arokdare for Frank Onyeka while the Rwandans withdrew Aly-Enzo Hamon for Kevin Muhire.
The change paid off for Nigeria as Arokdare got he opening goal seven minutes into the second period with his first goal in the qualifiers by bundling the ball home from close range after a scramble in the box.
The Rwandans threw bodies forward in search of the equaliser as the second half continued, but the Super Eagles remained resolute at the back in the final 20 minutes.
In the end, Nigeria were able to see out the rest of the encounter to hold on for the win, moving the team up to third spot, six points behind South Africa, who they face on Tuesday.
