Despite already securing their ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will aim for a win against Rwanda on Monday, Head Coach Austin Eguavoen has said.
The three-time African champions, who top Group D, are keen to maintain their momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in four months.
Eguavoen is confident his team can handle the absence of key players, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Ola Aina, and forward Ademola Lookman.
Nwabali has left camp to be with his family following his father’s death. Nottingham Forest requested Aina’s return for a crucial Premier League match, given Nigeria’s early qualification. Lookman, who scored twice during the qualifiers, sustained a knock in Thursday’s match against Benin and departed on Saturday.
The Super Eagles are mindful that Rwanda, their opponents on Monday, are also in their World Cup qualifying group, with a rematch slated for March 2025.
Maduka Okoye is set to reclaim his spot in goal, while Bright Osayi-Samuel may step in at right wing-back. Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to feature on the left, with William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey pairing up in central defense.
In midfield, options include Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika. Upfront, Victor Osimhen, whose crucial goal against Benin secured Nigeria’s qualification, will lead the attack as he aims to surpass Olusegun Odegbami on Nigeria’s all-time scoring list.
With Lookman out, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Boniface will vie for attacking roles.
