Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup remain on track following a 1-0 win over Rwanda on matchday seven.
The Super Eagles were dealt a massive blow in the first half when Victor Osimhen, who scored a brace in the reverse meeting back in March, limped off which means he is doubtful for Tuesday’s massive showdown against South Africa.
The former African Footballer of the Year sustained an injury to his left foot and it is not yet clear whether he will make the trip to Bloemfontein.
In the end it was substitute Tolu Arokodare's overhead kick early in the second half that secured a 1-0 home victory over Rwanda on Saturday.
Arokodare, recently signed by Wolves, got a touch to Ola Aina’s 52nd-minute effort, steering the ball in from just under the bar as Nigeria finally breached a tight visiting defence.
The win moves Nigeria up to third in the table, six points behind leaders South Africa with three matches remaining. Nigeria visit the South Africans on Tuesday in what could be the key fixture of the Group C campaign.
South Africa, however, are expected to be docked three points for using a defaulter in March but have surprisingly not yet been sanctioned by FIFA.
The group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 finals in North America.
Rwanda drop to fourth in the standings with eight points from their seven Group C outings.
Nigeria have been to six previous World Cup finals but missed out on the last tournament in Qatar.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
