Eric Chelle marked his first match as Nigeria’s manager with a victory as the Super Eagles defeated the Wasps of Rwanda 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in their crucial match-day five fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

It was a night to remember for Victor Osimhen, whose first-half brace sealed the win for the former African champions and reignited their hopes of reaching the World Cup.

The Galatasaray forward wasted no time in making his impact felt, proving once again why he is regarded as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers.

His first goal came early in the match, showcasing his sharp instincts in front of goal.

Osimhen found himself in the right position inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past the Rwandan goalkeeper, sending Nigerian fans into wild celebrations.

The Wasps of Rwanda tried to respond immediately, pushing forward in search of an equalizer.

However, Nigeria’s defense, marshaled by experienced defenders, remained resolute, denying the hosts any clear-cut chances.

As the first half progressed, Nigeria continued to dominate possession, creating dangerous opportunities in the attacking third.

Osimhen doubled the lead before halftime after capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Rwanda.

A misplaced pass in the Rwandan defense allowed the Super Eagles forward to intercept the ball, and he made no mistake in converting the chance, placing a powerful shot beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break, Nigeria looked in control, while Rwanda faced an uphill task to get back into the game.

The second half saw the Wasps attempt to mount a comeback, but they struggled to break down Nigeria’s well-organized defense.

The Super Eagles maintained their composure, ensuring that Rwanda found no way through.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was relatively untroubled throughout the match, thanks to the solid defensive work of Nigeria’s backline.

As the minutes ticked away, Nigeria remained disciplined, controlling the tempo and seeing out the game professionally.

When the final whistle blew, it was a moment of triumph for Eric Chelle, who celebrated his first match in charge with an important victory.

The result propelled Nigeria to fourth place in Group C, with seven points from five matches.

Meanwhile, South Africa climbed to the top of the group after a crucial 2-0 win over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adamas were the heroes for Bafana Bafana, scoring a goal each to seal the victory that pushed them to ten points.

With the race for World Cup qualification intensifying, Nigeria’s win against Rwanda could prove to be a turning point in their campaign.

However, the Super Eagles cannot afford to relax, as they face another crucial encounter against Zimbabwe on Monday.

The upcoming match will be another test for Chelle’s side, who must maintain their winning momentum to improve their standing in the group.

Chelle, who was recently appointed as Nigeria’s head coach, will be pleased with his team’s performance, especially the attacking threat posed by Osimhen and the defensive stability that ensured a clean sheet.

For Osimhen, the match further solidified his status as Nigeria’s talisman.

The Galatasaray striker has been instrumental for the Super Eagles in recent years, consistently delivering when his team needs him most.

His ability to find the back of the net under pressure is a valuable asset, and Nigeria will be hoping that he continues his goal-scoring form in the remaining qualifiers.

The win against Rwanda also helped Nigeria recover from their previous 2-1 loss to the same opponents in November last year.

That defeat had put their qualification hopes in jeopardy, but the latest result has restored optimism among fans and players alike.

For Rwanda, the loss was a major setback.

Despite showing glimpses of attacking intent, they were unable to break down Nigeria’s defense and lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the Super Eagles.

Their qualification hopes now hang in the balance, and they must regroup quickly before their next fixture.

Nigeria’s midfield played a crucial role in the victory, controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game.

The likes of Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi worked tirelessly to keep Rwanda at bay while also creating opportunities for the attackers.

Their composure and technical ability were key factors in Nigeria’s dominance throughout the match.

On the defensive end, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey were solid, ensuring that Rwanda found no way through.

Their aerial presence and ability to read the game effectively helped neutralize any threats from the opposition.

As the focus shifts to the next fixture, Nigeria will be looking to build on this positive result.

The match against Zimbabwe will be another opportunity to climb higher in the group standings and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With South Africa currently leading the group, the Super Eagles must continue to pick up crucial points to stay in contention.

A slip-up could prove costly, making every game a must-win encounter.

Chelle’s tactical approach in his first game in charge was effective, and fans will be eager to see how he sets up his team in the upcoming matches.

His ability to get the best out of his players will be key in determining Nigeria’s fate in the qualifiers.

For now, Nigerian supporters can celebrate a well-earned victory, thanks to Osimhen’s brilliance and a solid team performance.

The road to the 2026 World Cup remains challenging, but with continued determination and strong performances, the Super Eagles can keep their dreams alive.

As the tournament approaches, every match will carry immense significance, and Nigeria must rise to the occasion in each fixture.

The journey is far from over, but with a player like Osimhen leading the attack, the Super Eagles have every reason to believe in their chances.

Monday’s clash against Zimbabwe will be another defining moment, and Nigeria must be ready to seize the opportunity.

For now, the Super Eagles can enjoy their victo

ry, but their focus must remain on the bigger prize – securing a spot at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.