Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday in the final Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Although the three-time African champions have already secured their spot for Morocco 2025 and top position in the group, Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has assured fans that the team will still pursue victory, despite the absences of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Olaoluwa Aina, and forward Ademola Lookman.
Eguavoen is determined to preserve the team’s unbeaten run and will likely field a strong lineup when Nigeria hosts Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo at 5pm.
In a Sunday statement titled “Morocco 2025: Despite Ticket in Pocket, Super Eagles Go for Victory Against Amavubi, published on the Nigeria Football Federation’s website, Eguavoen emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “We are determined to sustain our recent form and spirit as we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in four months,”
Credible news could recall that Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper, left camp due to the passing of his father and Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest for club duties.
Lookman, who picked up an injury during Thursday’s match against Benin Republic, also exited the camp.
“Ademola Lookman, who has two goals in the qualifiers like his teammate Victor Osimhen, suffered a knock during the double-header against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday and left camp on Saturday,” the statement read.
Despite their absence, Eguavoen remains confident in the depth of his squad. “The absence of Nwabali, Aina, and Lookman will not disrupt our momentum. This team is built to adapt, and we have players ready to step in and deliver,” he said.
Key changes to the lineup are expected, with Maduka Okoye likely returning to goal, and Bright Osayi-Samuel poised to take Aina’s place at right wingback. Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to feature on the left, while the central defense will be anchored by Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.
READ ALSO : Nwabali and Aina won’t be at Super Eagles camp for final AFCON qualifier
In midfield, Nigeria has a wealth of options, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, alongside rising talents such as Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Upfront, Victor Osimhen, who scored against Benin Republic to secure Nigeria’s group leadership, is set to lead the attack. With Lookman unavailable, much of the creative responsibility will fall on Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Sadiq Umar.
Osimhen, who is closing in on surpassing former captain Olusegun Odegbami’s goal tally for Nigeria, is determined to make his mark. “This is a chance not only to win but also to demonstrate our readiness for the bigger challenges ahead,” said the Galatasaray striker.
The Super Eagles’ drive to deliver a top-tier performance underscores their broader ambition of staying competitive in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.
This match also holds added significance as Rwanda and Nigeria are in the same group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the two teams set to meet again in March 2025. This clash offers both teams an early psychological advantage ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Credible news.ng
