Matchday seven in CAF qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26™ concluded on Saturday with just one contest, as Nigeria jumped back to within a point of second-place Benin in Group C thanks to a narrow home win against Rwanda.
How qualifying works
The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Group C
Nigeria goals: Tolu Arokodare (51)
Tolu Arokodare’s early second half goal delivered a massive victory to Nigeria against Rwanda in Uyo. From the very start it was Nigeria on the front foot and the Rwandan defence pegged deep in their own half. The first threat came from Ademola Lookman swinging in a ball that bounced past everyone, including Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, and just wide of the post.
Ntwari was then called on to save a hard hit from Moses Simon and a long-range strike from Alex Iwobi. More worrying than a scoreless first half for the hosts, though, was an injury to star striker Victor Osimhen, who was subbed off after 35 minutes.
The Rwanda resilience finally gave way after the restart when an Ola Aina shot wasn’t cleared and Arokodare, sitting right in front of goal, hammered home. Ntwari kept Rwanda in the match, but the visitors were never able to muster anything of note going forward, allowing Nigeria to see things out.
Register your interest for FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets and Hospitality
Photo courtesy of CAF Pix
