IDNN Sports Desk
Arokodare wins it as Osimhen injury worries before Bafana clash
Nigeria wrestled a 1–0 win over Rwanda in Uyo to keep Group C’s automatic spot within reach — but the narrative turned sharply when Victor Osimhen departed injured on 35 minutes, a potential blow with South Africa looming next in Johannesburg. Tolu Arokodare, introduced at half-time, settled the contest six minutes after the restart, reacting quickest in a crowded box to force home the winner.
Rwanda’s Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was outstanding, denying early efforts from Osimhen and Ademola Lookman and keeping the scoreline narrow with agile reflex stops. Nigeria’s early pressure saw an Osimhen strike ruled offside on eight minutes, while tempers bubbled with bookings to Stanley Nwabali and Innocent Nshuti during a feisty first half.
With the breakthrough secured, head coach’s late changes — including Bright Osayi-Samuel and William Troost-Ekong — helped lock down a rare clean sheet in this cycle, limiting Rwanda to speculative efforts and set-piece flicks. The result moves Nigeria to 10 points from six, behind South Africa (16) and Benin (11), with a game in hand that could yet swing the group dynamic. Rwanda remain on eight.
The subplot is Osimhen. The forward, scorer of two against Rwanda in the reverse fixture, was Nigeria’s focal menace before pulling up and making way for Cyriel Dessers. His availability now becomes the hinge for Tuesday’s Bafana Bafana test — a fixture that could hard-pivot the group, given Nigeria’s remaining margin for error.
What’s next
Nigeria travel south for a high-stakes date with South Africa, fresh from beating Lesotho. Fit-test updates on Osimhen will dictate tactical shape and press intensity in Johannesburg.
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