FIFA joined Nigerians and the rest of the world in celebrating Victor Osimhen’s crucial double for the Super Eagles in the WCQ against Rwanda in Kigali.
Nigeria’s masked marvel, Victor Osimhen, garnered global acclaim for his match-winning brace against Rwanda in Kigali, prompting FIFA to join in the praise.
The Super Eagles’ talisman was the driving force behind his team’s 2-0 success, their first in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, consequently bolstering spirits and standings in a campaign that had been yearning for a revitalizing force.
In the wake of his exceptional performance, FIFA lauded the Galatasaray striker on social media, prompting Osimhen to reciprocate, basking in the adulation.
Early on, at the 11-minute mark, reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman sent a sumptuous cross from the left.
Osimhen, unmarked at the far post, met it with a clinical finish to give Eric Chelle’s side the lead.
The masked forward wasn’t done yet, right before halftime, he pounced on hesitant Rwandan defending, broke through, and delicately dinked the ball over goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The Super Eagles held firm in the second half, securing three crucial points that saw them climb to fourth in their qualifying group, now just two points shy of second place.
Rwanda, meanwhile, slipped to third, clinging to a one-point edge over their victorious visitors.
The acknowledgement was a nod to the masked man’s rising stature, and Osimhen, ever the patriot, responded in the comments with green, white, and green heart emojis, a heartfelt acknowledgement of his nation and its fans.
For Nigeria, the win represented a watershed moment under Chelle’s leadership, with Osimhen’s return proving pivotal after missing the opening four qualifiers.
His double not only sealed the victory but also etched his name further into Super Eagles lore, eclipsing Segun Odegbami to become Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer.
FIFA’s recognition was the crowning glory for a player whose presence, masked or not, continues to illuminate the international stage.
