Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Amavubi of Rwanda on Saturday evening to keep their chance of qualifying for the World Cup alive, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
A goal from Wolverhampton Wanderers new recruit, Tolu Arokodare was all the 3-time African champions needed to win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
An early dominance by the home side saw Victor Osimhen put the ball in the net, but his strike was ruled out for offside after seven minutes.
However, Osimhen had to be substituted on 34 minutes after he sustained an injury and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers.
Alex Iwobi's shot from outside the box was tipped off by the Rwandan goalkepper as the search for a goal continued for the hosts.
The score remained goalless after 45 minutes and five minutes of added time as the two sides headed to the dugout with so much to give in the second half.
Coach Eric Chelle brought in Tolu Arokodare for Frank Onyeka at the start of the first half to beef up attack.
It took the 6ft 6 inches striker four minutes before he broke the deadlock for Nigeria after his introduction.
He had to be alert when the ball came before improvising to hit the ball into the net and give Nigeria a deserved lead.
On 62nd minutes, the Super Eagles came close as the Rwandan goalkeeper pulled a double save to deny Nigeria a second from Ademola Lookman.
The Super Eagles held on for the win at the end of the final whistle as the leapfrog Rwanda to go third in group C with 10 points, a point better.
The Nigerian team takes the winning momentum to Bloemfontein for Tuesday's crunch clash against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Uche Dozie