Pictures: Victor Osimhen hits double as Nigeria outclass Rwanda

Nigeria pulled off a 1-0 comfortable victory over Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match held at the packed Amahoro Stadium on Friday evening.

Two first-half goals from Victor Osimhen saw the Super Eagles clinch their first triumph of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, putting an end to their recent subpar streak against Rwanda.

Eric Chelle's side were the best team by a mile in the first half, as expected, and Osimhen delivered once again for his nation, scoring twice from his two shots on target.

The Galatasaray striker put the Super Eagles in front in the 10th minute, converting Ademola Lookman's freekick with his right foot.

Adel Amrouche, who was in charge of Amavubi as head coach for his first game, quickly made an early adjustment, with Gilbert Mugisha coming on for Samuel Gueulette in the 38th minute.

The APR winger sharpened the team, and they started reaching the final third more frequently, although they couldn't do better than that.

Osimhen doubled the lead in the stoppage time of the first half, following his great run which he capped off with a beautiful lob over Amavubi goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre.

The home team boosted their ball possession during the second half, but they were unable to take advantage of it further and score as both teams played out a scoreless second-half

Substitute Yves Habimana thought he pulled one back on his national team debut in the 88th minute, but he was clearly offside as Rwanda trailed 2-0 at full-time.

Amavubi head coach Adel Amrouche said in a post-match press conference: "I was so sad when I saw these fantastic people in the stadium and also the president of the republic. I have shame, it's not my habit, I hate to lose. I can't change everything in one game, but that's not the reason. Wallahi I change them (players) or I change myself."

He added: "I want to give the chance for the local players so that when I bring the players from outside in the future, no one is going to cry."

With the win, Nigeria climbed to fourth position in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with six points from five games, having drawn three times, won once, and lost one game.

Meanwhile, Amavubi dropped to third place with seven points from five games, having won two matches, lost twice, and drawn once.

Rwanda will return to action on Tuesday, 25 March, facing Lesotho at Amahoro Stadium, whilst Nigeria will play against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.