By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes received a boost on Sunday after a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of Tolu Arokodare’s decisive strike early in the second half.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, making headlines after his recent Premier League move, reacted quickest inside the box to volley home in the 51st minute. His effort proved enough in a contest where the Super Eagles struggled to turn possession into clear chances.
The result lifted Nigeria into third place in Group C, overtaking Rwanda, but they remain six points adrift of leaders South Africa. The Eagles now face a crucial clash against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with only the group winners guaranteed a place at next year’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s campaign could also be shaped by an ongoing FIFA investigation into South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March. A possible three-point deduction would reopen the group race.
Even if the Super Eagles fail to secure top spot, they could still qualify via the African play-offs, where four best runners-up will compete for a place in the intercontinental play-off.
For now, Arokodare’s goal keeps Nigeria’s hopes alive as anticipation builds for Tuesday’s decisive showdown.
