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Interim Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen
Interim coach Austin Eguavoen is expected to field a much-changed side and give fringe and new players opportunities when Nigeria take on Rwanda in the final game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Monday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Eagles booked their place at the biennial showpiece in Morocco before facing Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday after Libya defeated Rwanda 1-0, with the three-time champions sealing the top spot after picking a point in the match.
Even though Nigeria have already secured a spot at the 2025 AFCON, Eguavoen will be keen to maintain the team’s unbeaten run and will likely name a strong squad when Nigeria host Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Eguavoen’s men have notched consecutive home victories against Benin (3-0) and Libya (1-0) in Uyo without conceding and will look to make it three wins from as many matches against the East Africans.
However, with no pressure on the team, football enthusiasts will expect the former defender to give opportunities to some of the fringe players, offering them a chance to prove their worth and solidify their place in the team’s plans.
Eguavoen will be without first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after the shotstopper was allowed to leave the camp following the death of his father on Thursday.
Nwabali has made the goalkeeping spot his since his brilliant performance at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, and despite Maduka Okoye’s resurgence with Udinese, Eguavoen continues to keep faith in the Chippa United goalkeeper.
With Nwabali excused from the team, Okoye is expected to start in the post against Amavubi and hopefully impress as he battles to reclaim his position.
With his favourite 3-5-2 formation, Eguavoen can afford to rest either William Troost-Ekong or Calvin Bassey and give opportunities to newcomers Gabriel Osho and Victor Collins.
Osho made his debut for Nigeria against Benin Republic on Thursday, and while his performance was a bit below par, the Auxerre defender will hope to put up a better show against Rwanda, playing in front of the home crowd with no pressure on the team.
Nasarawa defender Collins was an unused substitute on Thursday, and it will be in the best interest of the country to give him a chance to prove his worth in the national team.
In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has emerged as a major doubt for the encounter after the Lazio midfielder suffered a knock during training.
Given that the Eagles have already secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations, Eguavoen is likely to adopt a cautious approach for the game, with Dele-Bashiru expected to remain on the bench.
With a busy schedule ahead of the players, there is no reason for any risk, and Eguavoen can give playing time to Alhassan Yusuf, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, giving Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi much-needed rest.
Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar will be the ideal pair to lead the attack.
While Boniface has been a regular in the team, the Bayer Leverkusen striker is yet to open his goal account for Nigeria, and a game with no pressure could prove the ideal time for him.
Sadiq has struggled for form since his return from a season-ending injury last season.
The Real Sociedad striker has neither scored nor provided an assist this season, prompting fans to question his invitation to the national team for the qualifiers.
Having sealed their Africa Cup of Nations spot, the team will come out relaxed for their clash against the Amavubi, and the atmosphere could prove to be what the lanky striker needs.
