Nigeria Edge Rwanda to Revive World Cup Hopes

Posted : 07 September 2025

Although the Super Eagles were far from their fluent best, they earned a deserved win that leaves them third in the standings — six points behind leaders South Africa and one point off second-placed Benin. Rwanda, on the other hand, slipped to their third defeat of the campaign and now sit fourth, two points adrift of Nigeria.

The first half proved frustrating for Nigeria as Rwanda sat deep in defense. Victor Osimhen thought he had given his side the lead in the eighth minute, but his strike was disallowed for offside. Worse followed for the Napoli forward, who limped off injured shortly after the half-hour mark, sparking concerns ahead of the crucial clash with South Africa next week.

In his absence, Cyriel Dessers stepped in, but it was substitute Toluwalase Arokodare who eventually broke the deadlock. The striker bundled home Ola Aina’s mis-hit shot in the 51st minute, handing Nigeria the breakthrough. Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari produced a fine double save to keep his side alive midway through the second half, while Stanley Nwabali stood firm late on as the visitors mounted a rare attacking push.

The win secures three vital points for Nigeria, who now prepare for a decisive encounter against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. Rwanda will face Zimbabwe in Johannesburg the same day.

Ronaldo and Felix Shine as Portugal Thrash Armenia

Portugal maintained a flawless start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 5-0 win away to Armenia on Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix both netted twice, while Joao Cancelo was also on the scoresheet in a dominant performance.

The visitors wasted little time asserting themselves, with Felix heading in a Joao Cancelo cross after just 10 minutes. Ronaldo then doubled the advantage in the 21st minute, powering home for his 139th international goal. Cancelo added a third before half-time, converting from Felix’s clever cut-back.

Ronaldo lit up the second half with a stunning long-range volley just after the restart, leaving Armenia’s goalkeeper with no chance. Portugal’s fifth came just past the hour mark when Felix improvised brilliantly, flicking in a back-heel finish from a rebound.

Although Armenia managed to prevent further damage thanks to late saves from Henri Avagyan, Portugal had already sealed a resounding victory that keeps them top of Group F with maximum points.

Nigeria Edge Rwanda to Revive World Cup Hopes

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