Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda Player Ratings: Tolu Arokodare Rated 8.5/10 as Substitute Secures Narrow 1-0 Victory

The Nigeria national football team faced the Rwanda national football team in what looked like a boring match. The first 10 minutes were full of dispossessions by both teams, which resulted in no shots being attempted towards the goal. By the 20th minute, the game remained unchanged, continuing at a slow and steady pace. However, a spark of enthusiasm was seen in the stadium when Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili and Rwanda’s Innocent Nshuti received yellow cards after an altercation. The first half ended in disappointment for the fans, as neither side produced much, apart from a single Nigerian effort that was blocked by the visitors.
Then came the game's decisive moment. Coach É. Chelle made a change at halftime, bringing on Tolu Arokodare. Just six minutes later, the substitute found the back of the net. That single moment of quality decided this entire match, securing a vital three points for Nigeria in their qualification campaign.

Nigeria Player Ratings vs Rwanda

Here are Nigeria Player Ratings vs Rwanda

Goalkeeper

S. Nwabali - 6.5: Had a relatively quiet evening in terms of shot-stopping. He picked up a needless yellow card in the first half which was a bit concerning. Otherwise, he commanded his box adequately and organized his defence well to secure the clean sheet.

Defenders

Ola Aina - 6.0: A steady, if unspectacular, performance from the wing-back. He was defensively sound for the most part but didn't provide the attacking threat we often expect from him. Was substituted late in the game after a solid shift.

Bruno Onyemaechi - 7.0: Looked very composed on the ball and assured in his defensive duties. He handled his side of the pitch with little fuss. We noticed he made several key interceptions to snuff out potential Rwandan attacks before they started. A good, professional outing.

Benjamin Fredrick - 7.5: What a mature performance. From our perspective, he was a standout at the back. He read the game like a veteran, positioning himself perfectly to make clearances and tackles. He never seemed panicked, even when Rwanda applied some late pressure.

Calvin Bassey - 7.0: Formed a rock-solid partnership with Fredrick. He used his strength and pace to dominate the Rwandan forwards. Bassey was aggressive in the tackle and comfortable carrying the ball out from the back. The clean sheet was well-earned.

Midfielders

Wilfred Ndidi - 7.0: The captain did what he does best. He was an absolute engine in the middle of the park, constantly breaking up play and shielding his defence. His distribution was a little wayward at times, but his defensive contribution was immense. A true warrior's performance.

Frank Onyeka - 5.0: We were honestly disappointed with his first-half display. He was a virtual ghost, completely unable to impact the game. It came as no surprise when he was withdrawn at halftime. A performance he'll want to forget quickly.

Alex Iwobi - 6.5: The creative hub of the team, but he struggled to unlock a disciplined Rwandan defence. He showed some neat touches and tried to link play, but the final ball was often missing. Kept probing without much success.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman - 6.0: A frustrating evening for Lookman. He had a few bright moments where he looked to take on his man but was largely kept quiet. He couldn't find the space to operate and was eventually substituted.

Victor Osimhen - 5.5: This was a strange one. Substituted after just 35 minutes, he looked visibly frustrated and had barely had a kick. He didn't seem injured, which makes the decision even more puzzling. He had no impact on the game whatsoever.

Moses Simon - 7.5: Nigeria's most consistent attacking threat throughout the match. His direct running and tireless work rate caused Rwanda problems all evening. While the end product wasn't always there, he was the one player who consistently looked like making something happen.

Substitutes

Cyriel Dessers - 6.0: Came on for Osimhen surprisingly early. He held the ball up reasonably well but didn't offer a significant goal threat. A decent but unremarkable cameo.

Tolu Arokodare - 8.5: The man of the match. The game-changer. His introduction at halftime completely altered the course of the game. He provided the physical presence and goal-scoring instinct Nigeria were desperately lacking, grabbing the crucial winner with a fine finish.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru - 6.0: Brought on to add some energy and control to the midfield and did just that. Kept possession well and helped see out the victory.

Bright Osayi-Samuel - N/A: A late substitute with too little time to make a real impact.

William Troost-Ekong - N/A: Came on in the final minutes to shore up the defence and secure the win.

Manager

É. Chelle - 7.0: His decision to bring on Arokodare at halftime was a masterstroke that won his team the match. However, the team's flat first-half performance and the strange Osimhen situation raise questions. Ultimately, he got the three points, which is all that matters.

Rwanda Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Here are Rwanda Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Goalkeeper

Fiacre Ntwari - 6.5: Could do absolutely nothing about Arokodare's well-placed shot. He commanded his area well and made the saves he was expected to make. Picked up a yellow card in a feisty encounter.

Defenders

Claude Niyomugabo - 6.0: A disciplined performance. He stuck to his task and did a good job of containing Nigeria's wide players for large spells. A solid, no-frills defensive effort.

Ange Mutsinzi - 7.0: We thought he was excellent. Mutsinzi was a rock at the heart of the Rwandan defence, making countless interceptions and crucial blocks. He read the game brilliantly and was a real leader at the back.

Unknown Player - 6.0: Though unnamed in our data, this defender deserves credit. He was part of a backline that frustrated a talented Nigerian attack for 90 minutes, holding his position and making important challenges.

Fitina Ombolenga - 5.0: Had a very difficult time dealing with the pace and trickery of Moses Simon. He earned a yellow card for his troubles and was substituted early in the second half. A tough night for the defender.

Phanuel Kavita - 6.5: A composed and solid display under immense pressure. He didn't try anything fancy, focusing on his defensive responsibilities and doing them well. A key part of a stubborn defensive unit.

Thierry Manzi - 6.5: Alongside Mutsinzi, he was a pillar of strength. He won his aerial duels and was instrumental in organizing a defense that was incredibly hard to break down. A very committed performance.

Midfielders

Djihad Bizimana - 7.0: The captain led by example. He was combative, energetic, and tireless in the midfield battle. He worked incredibly hard to disrupt Nigeria's rhythm and was the heartbeat of his team.

Bonheur Mugisha - 6.0: Full of running and effort, but lacked the quality to make a real difference on the ball. He spent most of the match chasing possession but did his defensive duties diligently.

Forwards

Gilbert Mugisha - 5.5: A thankless task for the lone striker. He was isolated for almost the entire game and had to feed on scraps. He never stopped running the channels but received virtually no service.

Innocent Nshuti - 5.0: His early yellow card seemed to hamstring him. He was hesitant in the challenge after that and offered very little attacking threat before being substituted. A disappointing performance.

Substitutes

Kévin Muhire - 6.0: Introduced at halftime to try and change the game, but he struggled to get on the ball and influence proceedings.

Jojea Kwizera - 6.0: Came on after the goal but found it difficult to get into dangerous areas against a solid Nigerian defence.

Abeddy Biramahire - N/A: A late cameo with no time to make an impression.

Manager

A. Amrouche - 6.5: His game plan was nearly perfect. He set his team up to be defensively compact and frustrate Nigeria, and it almost earned them a famous point. His side lacked the attacking quality to pose a threat, but he can be proud of their organization and fighting spirit.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Tolu Arokodare