Eagles pips Rwanda to rekindle world cup hope

 

Tolu Arokodari celebrates after scoring against Rwanda 

Tolu Arokodari 51st minute goal from goal+mouth scramble was all the Super eagles needed to secure a maximum three points against the resolute Rwanda side at the Godswill Akpabio stadium 

The Super eagles found the back of the net in the early minutes of play through Victor Oshimen who latched onto a clinical pass from Ademola Lookman but was ruled out by the center referee for an off side position.

The super eagles under the tutelage of Eric Chelle continued pushing for the opening goal with Alex Iwobi's long range shot  finger tipped out by the Rwandan brilliant goal keeper Ntwari Fiacre.

Eagles pressed hard in quest of the  visitors rock solid defense foiled all attacking forays initiated by the three times African champions 

Galatasaray striker Victor Oshimen was taken off in the first half after copping an injury in the  encounter for the introduction of Cryril Dressers who came on to replace the 2023 African player of the year  as the first stanza  ended goalless.

On resumption of play into the second half , Tolu Arokodari who came on as a substitute to replace Frank Oyeka , broke the deadlock from a goal mouth scramble when he tapped in the winning goal for Nigeria that threw the fans to wide on jubilation 

With what happened during the last world cup qualifying match against Zimbawe where the team conceded a late minute goal, the eagles were cautions at the back and ensured  the Rwanda did not posed much threat to their defense and allowed their opponents do the playing in their half.

The home side almost doubled the lead when Ademola Lookman bounced on a rebound from Simone Moses shot but the Rwanda goal keeper  Ntwari  Fiacre rose to the occasion to make a double safe as he parried away  Lookman effort from close range .

With pressure mounting on both sides , Fisayo Dele-bashiru  came on as replacement for Ademola Lookman while William Troost Ekong came on to replace Cryril Dressers and Osaye Samuel coming on for an exhausted Ala Aina , eagles managed to secure a hard earned one nil victory to revamp home of securing the world cup ticket in the nervy encounter.

The Nigeria lads are now third in group C with 10 points behind second place Benin Republic who has 11points, trailing table toppers South Africa with the difference of six  points 

The Williams Troost Ekong captained side will face South Africa on Tuesday in Blomfomtein and a win for Nigeria will boost their chances of qualifying for the world cup

By Barididum Leema