Super-sub Tolu Arokodare struck the decisive goal at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium, securing a crucial victory for the Super Eagles.
Coming on for Frank Onyeka at the start of the second half, the new Wolverhampton Wanderers signing made an instant impact, putting Eric Chelle’s men ahead just five minutes later.
He reacted quickest after Ola Aina’s initial effort was denied by the impressive goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, slotting the ball over the line.
Nigeria, desperate for a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive, started the game brightly and pressed the Amavubi defence. But they couldn’t find the breakthrough.
In the seventh minute, Victor Osimhen thought he had given the Super Eagles the lead when he finished off Ademola Lookman’s cross. However, the referee ruled it out for offside.
Despite visible disappointment with the decision, the hosts kept pressing, with Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi both forcing saves from Ntwari.
On the other end, Rwanda offered little threat, as they were contained in midfield. The Super Eagles, however, suffered a major setback in the 35th minute when Osimhen was forced off after a heavy challenge from Claude Niyomugabo.
As the East Africans increased pressure on Nigeria’s defence, Chelle brought on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and William Troost-Ekong to help secure the result.
The victory lifts the 2013 African champions to third place, with 10 points from seven matches, behind only Benin Republic and South Africa.
Rwanda star Gilbert Mugisha had expressed confidence in his team’s ability to beat Nigeria in front of their home fans.
"(Godswill Akpabio Stadium) is familiar ground for us, and the last time we played here, we defeated a strong team like Nigeria," Mugisha told Flashscore.
"That victory demonstrated that we can compete with Africa’s top teams and provides a morale boost ahead of Saturday’s match.
"While winning here last time is certainly an advantage, we know repeating that feat won’t be easy, but it is very much possible.
"We respect Nigeria as one of the continent’s top teams, given their pedigree and the quality of players they field. However, we have come to play our game and are not intimidated by their reputation.
"Our aim is clear: to play a good match and secure a win. We are not here to lose. If you look at the current standings, we are in a good position, and victory would keep our World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Next up for the Super Eagles is a crucial trip to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday for a must-win showdown against South Africa.
