The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday at the Godwill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo defeated the Rwanda football team by a lone goal to keep hope alive for a qualification of the world cup in the Americas in 2026.
Super sub, Tolu Arokodare scored in the 51st minute through a massive leg hustle for the ball and the goal was given to him. That was his 2nd goal for Nigeria since he switched allegiance to play for the African country.
Rwandan Goalkeeper and Goal tender for Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa, Fiarce Ntwari stood gallantly for his country else Nigeria would have scored about six goals in the match. He had shoulder and leg injury but refused to be changed.
The Rwandans were determined to neutralize Nigeria kicking the Nigeria players at will. Osimhen was the danger man for them who scored a goal that was disallowed without reference to the VAR by Ref Allaou Mahamat of Chad. Osimhen was hacked down severally and had to be substituted.
Nigeria enjoyed massive support from a capacity filled Uyo Stadium. Cover photo is a passionate lady from the stands when Nigeria scored.
Nigeria dominated the stats forcing Rwanda to play defensive football. It was 61-49% of possession; 9-2 shots on target; Nigeria was hot in attack with 68-49 attacks; had 4-1 corner kicks and the only yellow card was an unnecessary one to Nwabali for multiple pushing with a Rwandan attacker where Rwanda bagged three yellows.
Only yesterday South Africa beat Lesotho 3-0 and Benin defeated Zimbabwe by a lone goal in Day 7 of the Group games.
South Africa still tops group C with 16 points scoring 13 goals and conceding 5; Benin is 2nd with 11 points scoring 7 goals and conceding 7; Nigeria jumped to the 3rd position with 10 points scoring 8 goals and conceding 6; Rwanda has 8 points scoring 4 goals and conceding 5; Lesotho is 5th with 6 points scoring 4 goals and conceding 8 while Zimbabwe has 4 points scoring 5 goals and conceding 10.
Day 8 matches in the group will be played on Tuesday 9th September when South Africa will host Nigeria at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfintein in South Africa where they played an away game today; Zimbabwe will face Rwanda while Benin Republic will stay back in Abidjan to host Lesotho.
It is important to inform you that only the group winner will get automatic ticket to the world cup finals to be hosted in 2026 by USA, Canada and Mexico. The group runners up will have a chance to compete in a play off in an inter conference battle.
Eniola Olatunji reporting for Patmos Media Line.
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