Victor Osimhen scored a brace, as the super eagles of Nigeria defeated the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda to kick off new coach, Eric Sekou Chelle’s reign on a perfect note.
In a win or bust match that was well attended, the Super Eagles of Nigeria began the game in fifth place in Group C after failing to win their first four games, losing one and drawing three.
The barest minimum was getting a win against Rwanda, whom they have also failed to defeat in their last two meetings, losing one and drawing one.
However, they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against the Amavubi of Rwanda in a bid to be on the plane to to the World Cup that will be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen led the Super Eagles’ attack in their 4-4-2 formation from the beginning against Rwanda, which was implemented by the new head coach..
Nigeria required an early goal to get the game underway in order to start on the offensive. The Super Eagles’ first goal came from an in swinging freekick in the eleventh minute.
Osimhen received a good free kick from current African player of the year, Lookman and tucked it home at the far post.
Before stoppage time in the first half, Osimhen grabbed a loose ball from a Rwandan defender and was through on goal with just the goalie to beat, giving the Super Eagles a two-goal advantage. He scored his second goal of the match by dinking the ball over the Rwandan goalkeeper.
In the second half, Chelle’s team maintained control of the match and prevented Rwanda from generating any chances. Nevertheless, they failed to score additional goals and increase their two-goal advantage in the match.
As it stands, the Super Eagles has six points and are now in fourth place on the table. They will now focus on against Zimbabwe at the Nest of Champions on the 25th of March, 2025 in Uyo.