Redemption Road Begins: Osimhen Leads the Way in Kigali
Victor Osimhen scores twice for Nigeria as the Super Eagles kick-start their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali. This was Éric Sékou Chelle’s first match in charge — and what a statement it was.
From the first whistle, Nigeria was electric. Pressing high, dictating the tempo, and with Osimhen leading the charge, it was only a matter of time before the net bulged.
⚽ Osimhen’s Clinical Brilliance on Display
Just 11 minutes in, Ademola Lookman’s perfectly placed free kick found Osimhen ghosting in at the far post — one swift half-volley, and it was 1-0.
Then came the dagger: Rwanda pushed forward, and Osimhen exploited the space. Isolated with a lone defender, he stole possession, burned past his marker, and deftly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper. Ice-cold finishing.
That brace makes him Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer with 25 goals, surpassing Segun Odegbami. Only Rashidi Yekini (37) stands ahead of him now.
🧠 Not Just Goals – Leadership in Motion
Osimhen wasn’t just the scorer — he was the heartbeat. He barked orders, tracked back on set pieces, and even dragged teammates into position. At one point, he physically pulled Ademola Lookman back into shape during a defensive lapse.
This is the Osimhen effect Nigeria has missed — raw hunger, technical execution, and a commanding presence.
🛡️ Super Eagles Play With Fire… and Fight
Chelle’s squad finally looked like a team willing to get dirty for the badge. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and debutant Tolu Arokodare all picked up yellow cards — but not carelessly. These were fouls that broke up play and showed a willingness to battle, especially in key midfield transitions.
And when Rwanda threatened just before halftime? Osimhen punished them for their ambition, sealing the win with his second.
🎯 Chelle’s First Tactical Test: Pass
Coach Éric Chelle showed he isn’t afraid to shake things up. He threw a curveball by starting Ola Aina at left-back and deployed Samuel Chukwueze in an unusual central role before adjusting to a more natural 4-2-3-1.
His in-game tweaks — pulling off Iwobi, Osimhen, and Chukwueze to preserve legs for the next clash — showed foresight. He even sent on Alhassan Yusuf at right-back in a surprise move after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s injury. Smart, bold, calculated.
🔥 What’s Next?
Osimhen’s post-match message was simple:
“I’m happy for the goals. Now the focus is on Zimbabwe.”
And that’s exactly where Nigeria must aim now. Rwanda was just the first hurdle. But the performance — and Osimhen’s double — was a statement.
With their talisman back and Chelle’s system taking shape, the Super Eagles might just be flying again.