Interim Super Eagles manager Austin Eguavoen has named his starting line-up for their final Group D 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda on Monday, November 18 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Super Eagles are on top of the table, leading second-placed Benin by 4 points and have already secured their place in next year’s tournament.
Eguavoen’s side faces several absences ahead of their next match. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been excused following the passing of his father, while Nottingham Forest has recalled wing-back Ola Aina for a crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal this weekend. The former Torino man was replaced late on, subsequently receiving treatment for an issue suffered in the match.
Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice in the qualifiers, also left the camp on Saturday after sustaining a knock in Thursday’s match.
Eguavoen has, therefore, made a couple of changes to his team ahead of the game against Rwanda.
Nevertheless, the three-time AFCON champions have fielded a strong line-up as they aim to leave no stone unturned against an opponent desperate for a victory to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for next year’s tournament.
Maduka Okoye starts for Super Eagles after extended absence
Okoye returns to the Super Eagles post for the first time since September 2022. Bright Osayi-Samuel will start at right wing-back, with Bruno Onyemaechi filling in on the left. Captain William Troost-Ekong and Gabriel Osho will anchor the defence.
Frank Onyeka sits just in front of the defence, and will be complemented by Alhassan Yusuf.
Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon have been deployed as wingers, with Alex Iwobi operating as a no.10 behind main striker Victor Boniface.
Nigeria vs Rwanda confirmed line-ups
Nigeria
Big; Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Osho, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Simon; Chwukueze, Iwobi, Boniface
Rwanda
Goalkeeper: Fiacre the Hero.
Defenders: Fitina Ombolenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe.
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana, Bonheur Mugisha, F. Rubona.
Forwards: O. Dushimimana, Innocent Nshuti, Gilbert Mugisha
