2026 WCQ: Osimhen brace against Rwanda gives Nigeria World Cup Hopes

Published

8 hours ago

March 21, 2025

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Rwanda in the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, boosting their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification prospects thanks to Victor Osimhen’s two goals.

Nigeria came into the match with a must win to keep their World Cup hopes as they are in a bad spot on the qualifying table.

The Super Eagles before the match were fifth on the log with three points from the opening four games and risk missing out on consecutive FIFA World Cups.

Eric Chelle stuck to the basics and named a lineup most Nigerians were familiar with even though he tried to implement his style of play with the formation.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, evading the Rwandan defence and smashing the ball home from a well-placed Ademola Lookman’s free kick.

The Galatasaray forward extended Nigeria’s advantage in the third minute of additional time, putting the country in command.

Samuel Chukwueze, his old U17 teammate, put him through on a counterattack. Osimhen took it all on his own and gently chipped the ball over Fiacre Ntwari to lead 2-0 at the break.

The Eagles continued to keep things tidy and they maintain the score sheet till the end of the match.

BREAKING: Chelle names Super Eagles starting XI against Rwanda

Published

11 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles’ head coach, has announced the team’s first starting XI.

Nigeria will face Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali on Friday evening.

Chelle has chosen the quartet of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, and Samuel Chukwueze.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi start, while Stanley Nwabali is the preferred goalkeeper.

The defence is made up of Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey and captain William Troost-Ekong.

Kick off is 5pm WAT.

Eric Chelle’s first starting 11;

Nwabali; Aina, Ekong, Bassey, Osayi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen.

2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Kigali camp bubbles with 21 players

Published

4 days ago

March 18, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Twenty-one players are now in the Super Eagles Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Kigali ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

12 players reported for duty on the first day of camping on Monday.

They were joined by nine others on Tuesday morning.

The new arrivals are captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey and Ademola Lookman.

Others are: Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina.

Two more players are still being expected in camp.

The Super Eagles will have their first official training session later tonight.

EPL: Arsenal closes gap on Liverpool after 1-0 win against Chelsea

Published

5 days ago

March 16, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Mikel Merino led Arsenal to a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Merino’s first-half header settled the London derby at the Emirates Stadium and saw second-placed Arsenal move within 12 points of leader Liverpool.

Arsenal’s title hopes have faded in recent weeks, but it closed the gap on Liverpool, which was playing Newcastle in the English League Cup final later in the day.

Merino rose in the 20th minute to flick Martin Odegaard’s near post corner beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. It was enough to secure a first league win for Mikel Arteta’s team since February 15.

Defeat for fourth-placed Chelsea means it missed the chance to extend its one-point lead over Manchester City in fifth and boost its chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Arsenal, on 58 points, is 10 clear of four time defending champion City.