World Cup qualifiers wrap: Nigeria clinch first campaign victory

The Super Eagles started strongly, pinning Rwanda deep in their own half. Their pressure paid off when Moses Simon was fouled near the penalty area. 

From the resulting free-kick, Ademola Lookman delivered a perfect cross to the far post, where Osimhen volleyed the ball into the net to put Nigeria ahead.

Rwanda responded with a spell of pressure towards the end of the first half, but their attacking intent led to a crucial mistake.

Committing too many players forward, they left space at the back, allowing Osimhen to break through in a one-on-one situation. The Napoli striker calmly slotted home his second goal just before half-time.

Ghana 5-0 Chad

Ghana delivered a dominant performance at the Accra Sports Stadium, thrashing Chad 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Antoine Semenyo set the tone early, scoring in the 2nd minute. Inaki Williams doubled the lead in the 31st minute before Jordan Ayew converted a penalty five minutes later to give Ghana a comfortable 3-0 advantage at half-time.

The Black Stars maintained their momentum in the second half, with Mohammed Salisu adding a fourth goal in the 56th minute. Ernest Nuamah sealed the emphatic victory in the 68th minute, capping off a well-rounded team performance.

Burundi 0-1 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Honneur Stadium in Morocco. The win sees them move to the top of Group F, one point ahead of second-placed Gabon.

The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Sebastien Haller provided an assist for Yohan Guessand, who slotted the ball past the Burundi goalkeeper. Ivory Coast maintained their lead going into half-time and held firm in the second half to see out the win.

Burundi, suffering their second defeat in the group stage, remain third in the standings. Despite their efforts, they were unable to break down a well-organised Ivorian defence.

Ethiopia 0-2 Egypt

Egypt continued their strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 31st minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from Hamdy Fathy.

Salah turned provider in the second half, assisting Zizo for Egypt's second goal. The Pharaohs had further chances to extend their lead, with Trezeguet hitting the woodwork and both he and Osama Faisal coming close.

Salah thought he had added a late third, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Despite Ethiopia's efforts, they struggled to break through Egypt's defence, ensuring a comfortable win for Rui Vitoria's side.

Botswana 1-3 Algeria

Algeria secured a 3-1 victory over Botswana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, moving to the top of Group G, level on points with Mozambique. Botswana, meanwhile, dropped to fourth place.

The match saw Algeria take the lead just before half-time when Amine Gouiri headed in a cross from Hicham Boudaoui in the 44th minute. 

Gouiri then turned provider in the 52nd minute, setting up Mohamed Amoura, who slotted home Algeria's second.

Botswana responded in the 70th minute through Tebogo Kopelang, who capitalised on a rebound after Algeria's goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz blocked his initial effort. 

However, Amoura struck again in the 74th minute, rounding goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko after an assist from Youcef Belaili to seal the win.

Other results:

Burkina Faso 4-1 Djibouti

Niger 1-2 Morocco

DR Congo 1-0 South Sudan

Guinea 0-0 Somalia

Equatorial Guinea 2-0 Sao Tome and Principe 

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