Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo was hardly vintage football, but it was exactly what the Super Eagles needed: three points to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Tolu Arokodare’s second-half strike settled the contest, yet the match also left fans with plenty to chew over.
From debuts to tactical gambles and goalkeeper nerves, here are six big takeaways from the win.
1. New boys step into the spotlight
Nigeria’s squad looked different from the off, with Eric Chelle throwing in fresh faces.
Captain William Troost-Ekong was left on the bench, making way for 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick, who didn’t look overawed on his competitive debut.
Cyriel Dessers was thrust into action earlier than expected after Victor Osimhen limped off, while Wolves’ summer signing Tolu Arokodare stole the headlines with the match-winning goal.
All three were making their competitive debuts for the Super Eagles.
For Fredrick, it was a steady introduction, quietly marshalling his area without fuss. For Dessers, it was a chance to reinsert himself into the Super Eagles conversation. And for Arokodare, it was the night he announced himself to Nigeria’s footballing public.
2. A long-awaited win on Nigerian soil
It might sound astonishing, but Nigeria had not won a home World Cup qualifier in four years.
The last time was a 2-0 win over Liberia in September 2021. Since then, the Super Eagles’ home record in qualifiers read: DDDDDL.
Saturday’s win broke that frustrating streak and brought only their second victory in the last ten qualifiers. For a nation that still defines itself through football, ending the home drought was as important as the points themselves.
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3. Chelle’s tactical switch paid off
Chelle began the game in a 4-3-3, opting against his favoured diamond midfield. It was functional but flat, as Nigeria struggled to unlock Rwanda.
At halftime, with the score still goalless, he reverted to his trusted 4-4-2 diamond, and the difference was immediate.
The system gave Nigeria more bodies in central areas, and with Arokodare introduced, the attack suddenly had a focal point. The goal came just six minutes into the second half, vindicating Chelle’s adjustment. It’s a reminder that sometimes Plan A isn’t always the best plan.
4. Nwabali’s nerves becoming a problem
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has emerged as Nigeria’s No.1 over the last year or two, but his temperament remains under scrutiny.
Against Rwanda, he picked up a needless yellow card for provoking a scuffle and seemed oddly casual in possession.
On at least two occasions he dwelt on the ball when his defenders were urging him to clear, inviting unnecessary pressure.
While he is a capable shot-stopper, the lapses in focus could prove costly in tighter matches. Chelle may soon face a difficult choice: either demand sharper discipline or consider giving a another top goalkeeper a run.
5. Arokodare the new golden boy?
Nigeria has long been searching for reliable support for Osimhen up front, and Arokodare may just be the answer.
His debut goal was as scrappy as it was spectacular, an acrobatic effort from the turf after his initial attempt was blocked, but it showed his instincts inside the box. The former Genk man could have added another goal or two more in the encounter.
Beyond the strike, his movement, first touches, and positional awareness were impressive.
Having just joined Wolves this summer, Premier League football could accelerate his development. If he continues like this, Nigeria may have found the perfect partner, or backup, to Osimhen.
6. Qualification picture still complicated
The victory lifted Nigeria to third in Group C with ten points from seven games, leapfrogging Rwanda.
But the Super Eagles remain six points behind leaders South Africa and one point adrift of Benin.
In truth, the Rwanda win was the bare minimum. The real test comes next: a crunch clash away to South Africa in Bloemfontein. Anything less than a result there, and Nigeria’s route to the 2026 World Cup could become perilously narrow.
