Super Eagles are gearing up for a high-stakes clash against Rwanda’s Amavubi in their final Group D fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 5 PM on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, carries significant importance despite Nigeria already securing their spot at Morocco 2025 and topping the group.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen, the three-time African champions are committed to maintaining their unbeaten record and building momentum as they transition to the next phase of international competitions.
In a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation on Sunday, titled “Morocco 2025: Despite Ticket in Pocket, Super Eagles Go for Victory Against Amavubi,” Eguavoen highlighted the team’s intent to keep their form intact.
“We are determined to sustain our recent form and spirit as we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resuming in four months,” he said.
The team will be without three key players, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Olaoluwa Aina, and forward Ademola Lookman.
Nwabali, who recently suffered the loss of his father, has been granted leave from camp. Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest to fulfill club commitments, while Lookman exited camp after sustaining a knock during Thursday’s victory against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan.
According to the NFF statement, “Rapid-raider Ademola Lookman, with two goals in the qualifiers like teammate Victor Osimhen, suffered a knock in the front end of this window’s double-header against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday and left camp on Saturday.”
Despite the setbacks, Eguavoen expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and readiness.
“The absence of Nwabali, Aina, and Lookman will not stop our momentum. This team is built to adapt, and we have players ready to step in and deliver,” he assured.
The match against Rwanda takes on added significance as the two teams are also grouped together in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Monday’s fixture offers Nigeria a chance to establish a psychological edge ahead of their next meeting in March 2025.
Eguavoen is expected to make strategic adjustments, with Maduka Okoye set to reclaim the goalkeeper position. Bright Osayi-Samuel will likely fill in for Aina at right wingback, while Bruno Onyemaechi is tipped to start on the left flank.
Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are anticipated to form the central defensive duo.
In midfield, Nigeria boasts a wealth of talent, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka forming a robust core. Rising stars Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are also in contention to showcase their skills.
Upfront, Victor Osimhen will lead the attack, aiming to build on his impressive record. Osimhen, whose decisive goal against Benin Republic solidified Nigeria’s group leadership, is closing in on surpassing Olusegun Odegbami’s goal tally for the national team.
With Ademola Lookman unavailable, the creative burden will shift to Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Sadiq Umar.
Osimhen, currently in remarkable form, emphasized the broader implications of the match.
“This is a chance to not only win but also to show our readiness for bigger challenges ahead,” remarked the Napoli striker.
The Super Eagles’ commitment to excellence reflects their ambitions beyond the Africa Cup of Nations. With the World Cup qualifiers looming, Monday’s encounter against Rwanda is an opportunity to fine-tune strategies, reinforce team chemistry, and bolster confidence.
