By Nurudeen Obalola
Victor Osimhen struck twice on Friday in Kigali to steer the Super Eagles to their first win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a 2-0 victory over Rwanda.
In the process, Osimhen moved to second place in Nigeria’s all-time leading scorers list behind Rashidi Yekini, surpassing the legendary Segun Odegbami.
The Galatasaray striker has now scored 25 goals in 37 Super Eagles appearances, behind Yekini’s 37 goals in 58 games. Odegbami netted 23 goals in 46 matches for the Nigerian national team.
Osimhen, making his first appearance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set off the victory party with a close-range finish in the 11th minute, poking home Ademola Lookman’s fine delivery.
The Super Eagles managed the game brilliantly after the goal, restricting Rwanda to few chances and controlling the match.
Osimhen struck again just before half-time, indeed in first-half stoppage time, stealing the ball off a hesitant Rwanda player in midfield and racing through on goal before chipping the spreadeagled goalkeeper.
There were no further goals in the second half as Eric Chelle handed a Super Eagles debut to Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Osimhen 13 minutes from time.
Having secured a key win on his coaching debut with the Super Eagles, Chelle would hope to make it two for two on Tuesday when the three-time African champions host Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0 in Polokwane in another African qualifying Group C clash also on Friday.
Banana Bafana are on top of the group with 10 points from five matches, followed by Benin Republic two points adrift.
Rwanda are third with seven points, one spot and one point ahead of Nigeria.
