Nigeria recorded a historic victory over Rwanda in the first-ever international Waka Football match played on Nigerian soil, with 64-year-old Adeola Adelanwa scoring the decisive goal at the Eagles Club, Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The encounter between the men’s over-60 teams of both countries marked a significant milestone for Waka Football in Nigeria, as the hosts secured a 1-0 win through Adelanwa’s first-half free kick.
After several attempts to break the deadlock were thwarted by the Rwandan goalkeeper, Nigeria finally found the breakthrough in the 17th minute when Adelanwa converted a free kick from the edge of the penalty area.
The strike proved decisive, earning Nigeria victory and etching Adelanwa’s name into the history of international Waka Football in the country.
Waka Football is a five-a-side version of the game in which running is prohibited, with players required to walk throughout the contest. The match is played over two halves of 20 minutes each, placing emphasis on technique, teamwork and tactical awareness.
Speaking after the historic encounter, Adelanwa expressed his delight at being part of the occasion and scoring the winning goal.
“I am very happy and proud to be part of history, and even luckier to be the one who scored the only goal,” he said.
“Even though we have to credit all my teammates, it is a team effort. Someone passed the ball to the person who passed it to me, so it was a collective effort and to the glory of our country.”
Adelanwa’s decisive contribution ensured Nigeria began its international Waka Football journey with victory, while the occasion provided a platform to promote the walking version of the sport among older players and expand its reach beyond national borders.
