Super Eagles players, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, celebrated their victory over Rwanda in Kigali with singing and dancing, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a significant boost on Friday as the Super Eagles secured a landmark 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The win, their first-ever on Rwandan soil, sparked jubilant celebrations in the locker room, with players breaking into dance to mark the occasion.
Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, netting twice in the first half to end Nigeria’s winless run in the qualifiers and revive their World Cup ambitions.
Osimhen leads Super Eagles' charge
Head coach Eric Chelle sent out an attack-heavy lineup, showing his intent from the outset.
Osimhen spearheaded the forward line, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi—five players known for their ability to create and convert chances.
Nigeria wasted no time in asserting themselves. In the 11th minute, Simon was fouled in an advanced position, and Lookman stepped up to deliver a perfectly weighted cross to the far post. Osimhen reacted quickest, guiding the ball past the Rwandan goalkeeper to open the scoring.
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The Super Eagles almost doubled their lead five minutes later from another Lookman set-piece, but captain William Troost-Ekong sent his header wide. Simon then forced a superb save from Fiacre Ntwari after cutting inside and aiming for the top corner.
Rwanda began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed, pressing for an equaliser.
However, just before the break, Osimhen struck again. His high pressing paid dividends as he dispossessed a Rwandan defender, raced through on goal, and calmly chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
That goal saw Osimhen climb to second on Nigeria’s all-time scoring charts with 25 goals in 37 appearances, surpassing 1980 AFCON winner Segun Odegbami, who netted 23 times in 46 games.
With a comfortable lead, Nigeria managed the second half expertly, controlling possession and limiting Rwanda’s attacking threat. The defensive line, marshalled by Troost-Ekong, kept their shape well, ensuring a clean sheet and securing three crucial points.
The victory lifted Nigeria to six points from five matches in Group C, reigniting their qualification hopes.
Super Eagles' dressing room celebrations
Locker room . The mood we want to be in after every remaining game in the WCQ pic.twitter.com/8Lg6YBZ6N2
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 21, 2025
The final whistle signalled the start of wild celebrations in the Super Eagles’ dressing room.
The players, ecstatic after a long-awaited win, were recorded dancing and singing inside their locker room as they soaked in the moment. Troost-Ekong led the celebrations but he had to vacate the floor for Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, who did much of the dancing.
One of Eric Chelle's assistants and Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu also joined in the lads' dancing session.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next fixture, hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
With confidence running high, the Super Eagles will be looking to make it two wins in a row and strengthen their bid for a place at the World Cup.
