The Super Eagles’ starting lineup for Nigeria’s clash against Rwanda has been confirmed ahead of kickoff.
Rwanda, known as the Amavubi, will host Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali for matchday two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
Interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen has made one change to the squad that secured a 3-0 victory over Benin on Saturday. Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been selected to start in attacking midfield, replacing Fulham’s Alex Iwobi.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali continues as the first choice between the posts, supported by the center-back trio of captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey. Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi remain the starting wingbacks on the right and left, respectively, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the midfield.
In a surprising move, Victor Osimhen, who scored Nigeria’s second goal against Benin shortly after coming off the bench, has been placed among the substitutes. Instead, Eguavoen has chosen Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface to lead the attack, as he did against the Cheetahs.
Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s standout player on Saturday, will support Boniface from the left wing, while AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze will operate on the right. Lookman, who scored two brilliant goals in the previous match, will be eager to replicate his performance at the Amahoro Stadium.
The Super Eagles have an unbeaten record against Rwanda, with two wins and three draws in their five previous encounters.
Nigeria’s starting lineup vs Rwanda: Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Boniface, Lookman.
