Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has named a much-changed starting lineup for the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda on Monday.
The match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo marks the final game of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, with the Eagles already securing their qualification with two games to spare.
With first-choice Stanley Nwabali away after being granted bereavement leave following the loss of his father, Maduka Okoye returns to the Eagles team for his first game in three years.
Okoye last played for Nigeria in the Round of 16 1-0 loss to Tunisia at the 2021 AFCON in January 2022.
Gabriel Osho continues in the team after his debut against Benin Republic last week, partnering captain William Troost-Ekong in the central defence, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyeamaechi completing the defensive set up.
Raphael Onyedika was also handed a starting role in midfield alongside Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Yusuf Alhassan.
In attack, Victor Boniface leads the line with Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon and Victor Boniface.
The bench boasts some firepower, with Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze ready to make an impact if called upon.
The game is just a mere formality for the Eagles who are already through to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco next year.
