The Super Eagles of Nigeria marked a historic 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, securing their first-ever win against the Wasps. Emmanuel Oluwagbenga, a student at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, shared his analysis of the game, squad selection, and key player performances.
“The match was crucial for Nigeria, and the team had to get the job done,” Oluwagbenga noted. He praised the tactical approach implemented by the manager, stating that the team is on the right path toward World Cup qualification.
Oluwagbenga addressed the debates surrounding Yusuf Al-Hassan’s selection over Frank Onyeka. “Many felt Onyeka deserved a spot due to his AFCON contributions, but I believe neither of them was necessarily the best fit for this game. With Ndidi and Onyedika playing as defensive midfielders, the real missing piece was Dele-Bashiru, a proper box-to-box player who could create chances and shoot from distance,” he explained.
Victor Osimhen’s brace played a crucial role in securing Nigeria’s victory. “This is Osimhen’s peak. At 26, he has at least four to five solid years of top performance ahead. His reputation as a prolific striker is well-earned, and he delivered as expected,” Oluwagbenga said.
Arokodare, making his debut for Nigeria, received a yellow card during the match. Oluwagbenga viewed his role as more tactical than aggressive. “I analyze football from a coaching perspective. He was brought in to maintain control of the game rather than push for more goals. However, had he gone against instructions and played more aggressively, we might have scored a third or fourth goal, which we still need to boost our goal difference,” he added.
Rwanda nearly changed the course of the game with a disallowed goal due to offside. Oluwagbenga admitted that it was a moment of tension for the Super Eagles. “The match was always going to be intense, given that Nigeria desperately needed the win. The team started frantically in the first 15 minutes, but Onyedika’s introduction helped stabilize play. Lookman and Iwobi also played key roles in ensuring our control of the game,” he observed.
Looking ahead, Oluwagbenga believes that the Super Eagles have what it takes to keep improving and remain strong contenders in the qualifiers. “Today is another day of football, and I expect even better performances,” he concluded.
