Nigeria’s Super Eagles Coach Targets Win Against Rwanda Despite Securing AFCON Spot
The Super Eagles of Nigeria may have already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, but their coach, Augustine Eguavoen, is eager to maintain the team’s winning momentum and confidence by securing a victory against Rwanda.
Eguavoen’s words echo the team’s ultimate goal: to finish their AFCON qualifiers on a high note. With Nigeria already topping Group D following their 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday, the pressure is off, but Eguavoen wants his players to keep their standards high.
Although Rwanda’s chance to qualify for the tournament relies on them beating the Super Eagles and hoping that Libya defeats Benin Republic, Eguavoen believes that his team is the stronger side. Ahead of the clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium today, November 18, Eguavoen highlighted his team’s objective:
“Winning every game is what matters most, regardless of my position when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025,” Eguavoen stated in a pre-match interview.
The Super Eagles will take the field without key players Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Lookman suffered a minor injury, Aina was allowed to return to England for personal reasons, and Nwabali was excused due to a family bereavement. Eguavoen, however, is confident that his team can overcome their absence.
“Lookman is recovering from a slight injury and will not play. He mentioned he was at 70 per cent,” Eguavoen explained, referring to Aina, he added, “Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo asked me to release Ola back to his club, which I agreed to as it’s essential to build strong relationships with club sides.”
The highly anticipated match between Super Eagles and Rwanda is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time today, November 18.
