Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria: Osimhen heroics, Chelle first win, see highlights, tactical takeouts

Rwanda hosted Nigeria in a crucial Group C fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. With Rwanda joint-top of the group alongside South Africa and Benin on seven points, and Nigeria languishing in fifth with just three points from four matches, this clash was set as a must-win for the Super Eagles under new coach Eric Chelle. The final scoreline of 0-2 in Nigeria’s favor summarizes the story of a match defined by clinical finishing, tactical differences, and what both sides could learn going on in the qualifiers campaign.

Rwanda team performances

Rwanda, under new coach Adel Amrouche, entered the match with confidence, boasting a miserly defense that had conceded just one goal in the qualifiers prior to this game. The Amavubi aimed to upset Nigeria again, having beaten them 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2024. However, their defensive discipline faltered early, and their attack lacked the cutting edge to capitalize on late dominance. Rwanda managed only three shots on target, with their best chances coming in the final 15 minutes when Nigeria sat deep. Despite the loss, their resilience and tactical adaptability late in the game highlighted their potential as a growing force.

Nigeria team performances

Nigeria arrived in Kigali desperate to revive their feeble campaign after a winless run in their first four qualifiers. The Super Eagles showcased a blend of attacking pedigree and defensive solidity, though their performance was far from flawless. Victor Osimhen’s brace which was scored in the 11th and 45+3rd minutes, proved decisive, masking a disjointed midfield and periods of vulnerability. Nigeria controlled 57% of possession but struggled to maintain rhythm, especially in the second half when Rwanda grew into the game. The visitors’ high pressing early on disrupted Rwanda’s buildup, but their inability to sustain this intensity exposed gaps that the hosts nearly exploited.

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Rwanda’s tactics

Amrouche deployed a 4-3-3 that changed into a 5-4-1 when defending, aiming to frustrate Nigeria with a compact shape and hit on the counter. Key midfielders Djihad Bizimana and Bonheur Mugisha were tasked with disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm, while Innocent Nshuti led the line as a physical focal point. Early on, Rwanda struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pressing, with centre-backs Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi exposed on set pieces and long balls. After halftime, Amrouche adjusted, pushing full-backs Claude Niyomugabo and Fitina Omborenga higher to stretch Nigeria’s defense. The switch to long balls in the final 15 minutes troubled Nigeria’s backline, but poor finishing let Rwanda down.

Nigeria’s tactics

Coach Eric Chelle, in his debut, opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation, leaning heavily on the flair of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze. The strategy was clear: press high, exploit Rwanda’s backline with pace, and rely on Osimhen’s aerial prowess. The opening goal stemmed from a deep free kick by Lookman, met with a stunning volley by Osimhen, a typical set-piece execution. The second goal showcased Osimhen’s composure, as he beat the last defender and dinked the ball over goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari after a swift counter. However, Chelle’s midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi lacked cohesion, with Ndidi’s loose ball retention inviting pressure. Nigeria’s shift to a more defensive posture after halftime nearly cost them, as they struggled to close spaces.

Rwanda vs Nigeria major highlights

Osimhen’s Opening Volley (11’): A deep free kick from Lookman found Osimhen unmarked, and his right-footed volley into the bottom corner set the tone for Nigeria’s early dominance. A moment of individual brilliance that stunned the home crowd.

Osimhen’s Clinical Finish (45+3’): After Rwanda pressed for an equalizer, Nigeria countered swiftly. Osimhen outpaced Mutsinzi and delicately lifted the ball over Ntwari, doubling the lead just before halftime, a heavy blow to Rwanda’s hopes.

Rwanda’s Late Surge (75’-90’): The Amavubi shifted gears, knocking the ball around confidently and launching long balls into Nigeria’s box. A header from Nshuti narrowly missed, and a Bizimana shot forced a save from Stanley Nwabali, signaling Rwanda’s growing threat.

Nwabali’s Time-Wasting (80’): Nigeria’s goalkeeper drew attention from the crowd and fans abroad with deliberate delays, a pragmatic move to kill Rwanda’s momentum but a sign of the Super Eagles’ defensive mindset late on.

Rwanda vs Nigeria standout players

The Amavubis despite their loss still showed their Nigerian opponents moments of tenacity. However some of Amrouche players stood galant to secure a victory like Innocent Nshuti, the Sabail FK forward was a handful for Nigeria’s defense, using his strength to create space. His near-miss header late on showed his threat, though he lacked support. Another is Djihad Bizimana, the captain’s tenacity and distribution grew as the game progressed, driving Rwanda’s late push. His shot on target tested Nwabali, marking him as a leader.

On the other side, the Super Eagles who were the visitors and winners had some players who were instrumental. For Chelle’s side, Victor Osimhen stood strong for the Super Eagles. The Galatasaray striker was the match-winner, scoring twice with a blend of power and finesse. His aerial dominance and cool-headedness under pressure reaffirmed his status as Nigeria’s talisman. He won the Man of the Match award.

In addition, Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward’s vision and delivery were key, assisting Osimhen’s opener with a pinpoint set-piece free kick. His work rate and creativity kept Rwanda’s defense on edge. Wilfred Ndidi, despite some loose play, Ndidi’s physical presence and ball recoveries anchored Nigeria’s midfield, providing a platform for their attackers.

Lessons learned from Rwanda vs Nigeria

For Rwanda, the lesson is twofold: defensive lapses against top sides are costly, and attacking intent must be matched with precision. The early concession from a set-piece highlighted a need for better aerial defending, while their failure to convert late chances,despite growing into the game, exposed a lack of composure. Amrouche’s late tactical shift showed promise, but Rwanda must find a cutting edge to complement their defensive resilience if they are to challenge for the group’s top spot.

For Nigeria the match underscored the importance of clinical finishing in tight qualifiers. Osimhen’s two moments of brilliance overshadowed the midfield disorganization and highlighted the defensive transitions. The Super Eagles must tighten their midfield structure, Ndidi’s errors and Chukwueze’s not appearing on the right exposed vulnerabilities that stronger teams could use to punish. Sitting deep after taking the lead also invited unnecessary pressure, a tactical flaw Chelle must address before facing Zimbabwe next. The win, their first in the campaign, offers a lifeline, but consistency remains elusive.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s victory was a much-needed boost, lifting them off the bottom of Group C and offering hope of a seventh World Cup appearance. However, the performance was a mixed bag, moments of brilliance overshadowed by tactical naivety and a lack of midfield control. For Rwanda, the defeat dents their group lead but doesn’t erase their impressive campaign thus far. Their ability to rally late suggests they remain contenders, though they must sharpen their attack to match their defensive resolve.

This match, at the halfway mark of the qualifiers, leaves both teams with clear takeaways. Nigeria must build on this win to climb the standings, while Rwanda needs to regroup and refine their approach. In a group as tight as C, where only one point separates the top three, the road to the 2026 World Cup remains wide open, but precision and adaptability will ultimately decide who flies highest.