Award-winning Atletico Madrid star charges Nigeria to beat Zimbabwe after Rwanda win

Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade has urged Nigeria’s Super Eagles to build on their 2-0 victory over Rwanda by securing another crucial win against Zimbabwe in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ajibade, who was closely following Nigeria’s performance in Kigali, took to social media to encourage the team after their hard-fought triumph at the Stade Amahoro.

The Super Falcons star reacted to a post from the official Super Eagles handle, which read, “Mission Kigali done. Onto the Next One.“

In response, Ajibade, who won Atletico de Madrid Femenino’s Player of the Season award last year, tweeted: “We no doubt una. Come on boys.”

Ajibade’s message comes as Nigeria prepare to host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

A win in that fixture could see the three-time African champions climb further up the standings in a tightly contested Group C.

Nigeria’s Osimhen delivers when it matters

Victor Osimhen was the star of the show against Rwanda, scoring both goals to hand Nigeria their first victory of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former African Footballer of the Year, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

A well-placed free-kick from Ademola Lookman found Osimhen unmarked at the far post, and the 26-year-old forward made no mistake, rifling past Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Just before the half-time whistle, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead with a moment of brilliance. Latching onto a through ball just inside Rwanda’s half, he sprinted clear of the defence before coolly chipping over the advancing Ntwari to secure his brace.

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These were Osimhen’s first goals of the campaign, and they arrived at a crucial time for Nigeria, who had struggled for results in previous fixtures.

Victory in Kigali moved Nigeria up to fourth place in Group C, with six points from five matches.

While the Super Eagles remain four points behind leaders South Africa, the win has reignited their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, particularly with five rounds still to play.

The qualification campaign has been turbulent, with Nigeria already on their third head coach in five matches.

Former Mali boss Eric Chelle, who was born in Ivory Coast, took charge after both Portuguese coach José Peseiro and Nigerian Finidi George departed.

Peseiro left his role after guiding Nigeria to the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up to Ivory Coast. His tenure included disappointing World Cup qualifying draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Finidi George’s time at the helm was short-lived. A draw with South Africa was followed by a shock defeat to Benin, leading to his departure.

Now, under Chelle’s leadership, Nigeria are looking to rebuild momentum. The upcoming clash against Zimbabwe in Uyo is pivotal.

With South Africa set to face second-placed Benin, the group standings could shift significantly depending on Tuesday’s results.

Super Eagles must seize their moment

Nigeria’s road to the World Cup remains challenging, but Osimhen’s heroics against Rwanda have provided a much-needed lift.

The Super Eagles will be expected to show the same fighting spirit against Zimbabwe.

A victory in Uyo would not only boost their standing but also send a statement that the Super Eagles are back on track in their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.