FILE: Nigeria’s players celebrate their goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at Cairo international stadium. Photo: AFP

Super Eagles edge Rwanda

PUNCH Online earlier reported that in a tense and pivotal World Cup qualifying encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria eked out a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, reigniting their hopes in the 2026.

The match remained deadlocked until the 51st minute, when substitute Tolu Arokodare, amid a scramble inside the Rwandan penalty box, managed to slot home a bouncing ball, breaking the stalemate and handing Nigeria the lead.

The home side’s defense, marshaled effectively by Calvin Bassey, stood firm even after a significant blow—the loss of star striker Victor Osimhen, who limped off during the first half, tested the squad’s resilience—but the Super Eagles held on to claim all three points.

With this crucial win, Nigeria climbs to 10 points after seven matches, moving within striking distance of group leaders South Africa, while Rwanda remains a step behind on 8 points, tightening the race for qualification.

The Super Eagles on Saturday navigated another critical hurdle on home soil.

FIFA had confirmed that “Chadian official Allaou Mahamat will be the referee for Saturday’s Matchday 7 encounter between Nigeria and Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.”

Mahamat will be assisted by his compatriots: “Bogollah Issa, Moussa Hafiz and Abdelkerim Ousmane in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.”

For this Uyo fixture, “Taher Abdelsalam Mahmoud from Egypt will serve as referee assessor while Bakary Jammeh from Gambia will be the commissioner.”