Victor Osimhen scored twice in the first half in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda to boost Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the competition.
Osimhen tapped in from close range in the eleventh minute from the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman’s inch-perfect free kick.
The 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Osimhen, added a second in the stoppage time of the first half after beating a defender around the centre circle and raced to the goal where he lobbed the ball over the rushing Rwandan goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles have failed to beat the The Wasps in three attempts in Kigali. Nigeria drew with Rwanda in a 1-1 draw in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium 20 years ago.
In 2011, the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.
In September 2024, the rivals also drew 0-0 in the 2025 AFCON qualifying tie at the Amahoro Stadium.
Victor Osimhen’s first-half brace was enough to break the jinx and to give the Super Eagles the three points and first victory in the qualifiers.
Nigeria’s next game is against Zimbabwe on March 25 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.