Star striker Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C match in Kigali on Friday.

This victory marked Nigeria’s first win in the World Cup qualifiers, following four matches without a win.

Given the quality of Nigeria’s squad, it didn’t take long for them to open the scoring. In the 11th minute, Ademola Lookman’s well-placed free kick evaded the Rwandan defense, leaving Osimhen unmarked at the back post to beat Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Nigeria nearly increased their lead from another Lookman free kick, but this time William Troost-Ekong failed to direct his header on target, leaving Ntwari and the Rwandan defense in disarray.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Osimhen, then added a second goal before halftime, latching onto a through ball and lifting it over Ntwari.

Despite not scoring in the second half, Nigeria secured the crucial victory they needed to revive their World Cup campaign.

This match was the debut for Nigeria’s new coach, Eric Chelle, who previously led Mali to the quarter-finals of the recent Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Ivory Coast.

The win moved Nigeria to six points after five matches. They will now aim to build on this momentum when they host Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday.