Nigeria’s head coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced the starting XI for their final AFCON qualifier against Rwanda. With the Super Eagles already qualified for the 2025 AFCON, seven changes were made, including the inclusion of Maduka Okoye in goal, while Victor Osimhen starts on the bench.
Nigeria’s head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has confirmed the starting XI for the Super Eagles’ final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda. With Nigeria already qualified for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, Eguavoen made seven changes to the squad that drew 1-1 with Benin Republic in their previous match.
In goal, Maduka Okoye makes his first appearance since the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, replacing Stanley Nwabali, who is absent due to a family bereavement. The defense includes Moses Simon, who starts on the left wing, and Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is placed at right back. Captain William Troost-Ekong partners Gabriel Osho at center-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi from Boavista completes the four-man defensive line.
Midfield sees a reshuffle, with Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking over from Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi. Notably, Victor Osimhen, who scored a crucial header against Benin, starts on the bench. Instead, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, who is yet to score in the qualifiers, leads the attack, alongside Kelechi Iheanacho, who keeps his place despite a quiet performance in the last match.
While Nigeria’s qualification is already secured, Rwanda must win this match to have a chance of advancing to the 2025 AFCON. The match is critical for Rwanda, while Nigeria aims to finish their qualification campaign on a high note.
Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Rwanda (4-3-3): Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Osho, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Yusuf, Dele-Bashiru; Simon, Boniface, Iheanacho.
