Nigeria's hero against Rwanda in the crucial WCQ, Victor Osimhen, is now second to Rashidi Yekini on the list of the Super Eagles' all-time top scorers.
In a much-needed night of triumph for the Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen emerged as Nigeria’s hero in a 2-0 crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier win against Rwanda.
That heroic display in Kigali has pushed him past Segun Odegbami to become the country’s second-highest all-time scorer, trailing only the legendary Rashidi Yekini.
)
21:46 - 21.03.2025
Proud of my guys — Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle delighted with crucial win over Rwanda
Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has praised his players after they defeated Rwanda 2-0 to boost their World Cup 2026 qualification hopes.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
)
17:52 - 21.03.2025
Rwanda 0 vs 2 Nigeria As it happened: Victor Osimhen's double gets Eric Chelle's era underway
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Wasps of Rwanda courtesy of a brace from Victor Osimhen.
The Galatasaray striker marked his first appearance in the qualifying campaign with a brace, securing Nigeria’s first victory of the tournament with a 2-0 win on Rwandan soil.
The match signalled a promising start to Eric Chelle’s tenure as head coach, with the Super Eagles displaying a renewed sense of purpose after a shaky opening to their World Cup qualifying journey.
)
Having struggled through their first four matches without a win, Nigeria desperately needed a spark and Osimhen delivered exactly that.
The 26-year-old forward wasted no time showing what the team had been missing. In the first half, he rose highest to meet Ademola Lookman’s expertly delivered freekick, nodding the ball past the Rwandan goalkeeper to break the deadlock.
)
His second goal came later in the game, a composed finish, typical of the Napoli man, after latching onto a precise through ball from Samuel Chukwueze.
The strikes not only sealed the victory but also etched Osimhen’s name further into Nigerian football history.
)
With these two goals, Osimhen surpassed Odegbami’s long-standing tally of 23, moving into second place on Nigeria’s all-time scoring charts.
Only Yekini, the iconic striker who led Nigeria to World Cup glory in 1994, remains ahead of him.
)
)
07:00 - 24.03.2025
Thomas Tuchel risks wrath of Premier League managers as he plans to field big names for England against Latvia
England coach Thomas Tuchel has indicated that he will not rest his stars for the home clash against minnows Latvia, risking the wrath of Premier League bosses.
For Osimhen, who has been sidelined for the earlier qualifiers, this performance was a statement of intent—both for his country and for his own legacy.
The Super Eagles’ victory in Rwanda provided a much-needed boost to their 2026 World Cup aspirations. After a string of disappointing results, Chelle’s men finally gave fans something to cheer about.
)
Osimhen’s clinical finishing, combined with standout contributions from Lookman and Chukwueze, highlighted a team rediscovering its attacking flair.
For Osimhen, the night was a personal triumph as much as a collective one. Having missed Nigeria’s opening four qualifiers, his return in the fifth game is a reminder of his importance to the squad.
)
While the Super Eagles look ahead to the next fixtures, starting with the game against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, their talisman’s form could prove the difference in their quest to return to the world stage.
But for now, though, Osimhen stands tall, second only to Yekini, and a nightmare for Rwanda’s defence.