Rwanda head coach, Adel Amrouche has picked out Victor Osimhen’s early goal as the demoralising moment in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in Kigali in the 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The Wasps put up a strong performance but fell 2-0 in the hands of the Eric Chelle’s side at the Amahoro Stadium.
The loss meant that Rwanda gave up their lead in the Group C of the African qualifying series to South Africa and narrowed the gap between them and Nigeria to one point.
Speaking after the game, the coach said, “We started with a plan. I know Nigeria is coming quick with that pressure to score because they have the pressure.
“And we tried something in the beginning, maybe you saw some positioning for the players, maybe it was working.
“When we conceded the goal, we changed the plan. They forced me to change because in the beginning I [said to the players] give me twenty minutes without conceding and we agreed today would be our day.”
Victor Osimhen fired Nigeria in the lead, capitalizing on Ademola Lookman’s cross in the 11th minute.
The Napoli man then made it two for Nigeria before halftime with a well-executed lob.
“Sometimes you plan but you know football. I don’t want to talk about my players but you know when you concede the goals from free kick and pass from the opponent – it is not about tactics. It is a shame,” he added.
The victory revived Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Up next for the Super Eagles is the crucial encounter against Zimbabwe in Uyo.
2026 WCQ: ‘It’s a shame’ – Rwanda coach, Amrouch reveals what caused 2-0 defeat to Nigeria
