Nigeria’s emphatic 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali has reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, and Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, NFF Executive Board Member and Chairman of the Federation’s Youth Committee, has made it clear: the focus is now on securing the World Cup ticket.
Speaking after the game, Majekodunmi heaped praise on the players and coaching crew, particularly head coach Eric Chelle and star forward Victor Osimhen, whose brilliance turned the tide for the Super Eagles.
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“This was a crucial win for us, and I must commend the entire team. The players showed great commitment, and the coach made the right tactical decisions. Osimhen’s return was a game-changer, and his goals gave us the momentum we needed,” Majekodunmi said.
Osimhen, featuring for the first time in the qualifiers after missing previous matches due to injury, wasted no time making an impact.
The 2023 African Player of the Year opened the scoring in the 10th minute, expertly converting Ademola Lookman’s free-kick. His second goal, a composed chip over the Rwandan goalkeeper, sealed Nigeria’s dominance just before halftime.
Majekodunmi acknowledged the team’s previous struggles but emphasized that they remain in the race for qualification.
“We may not be at the top yet, but this win puts us back where we belong—among the contenders. The journey is still long, but with this spirit and determination, I am confident we will achieve our goal of reaching the World Cup,” he added.
The victory lifts Nigeria to six points, four behind group leaders South Africa, who defeated Lesotho in a concurrent fixture. The Super Eagles will now shift their attention to their next game against Zimbabwe in Uyo, where Majekodunmi believes they must build on this momentum.
“Every game is now a final. We must stay focused and keep winning. The players have shown they can rise to the occasion, and with the support of Nigerians, we will get the job done,” he concluded.
The Super Eagles will arrive in Uyo on Saturday, ready to continue their fight for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
