Nigeria’s Future Eagles defeated Rwanda 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to advance to the 73rd–76th-place semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Wisdom Boniface scored Nigeria’s only goal with a brilliant free-kick in the 26th minute, but Rwanda found an equaliser in the 39th minute, less than two minutes before the end of the match.

With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the encounter proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Nigeria prevailed 4-3 to keep their classification campaign alive.

The Future Eagles took the lead in the 26th minute when Boniface expertly converted a free-kick to put Nigeria ahead.

The goal gave the Nigerian side an advantage as they sought to secure progression in the classification competition.

However, Rwanda responded with an equaliser in the 39th minute, leaving Nigeria with little time to regain the lead before the final whistle.

The match ended 1-1, forcing both teams to settle the outcome through a penalty shootout.

Nigeria held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties, securing a place in the next round of the classification bracket.

Nigeria will face Chile in the 73rd–76th-place semi-finals after the South American side defeated Japan on penalties.

Chile and Japan played out a 3-3 draw in regulation time before Chile won the shootout 5-4 to advance.

The encounter offers the Future Eagles another opportunity to progress towards the 73rd-place match at the tournament in Baku.

Nigeria will look to build on their victory over Rwanda as they continue their campaign in the classification phase.