Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has named his starting XI for the highly anticipated match against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The highly contested encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, kicking off at 5:00 PM Nigeria time on November 18.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye takes over from Stanley Nwabali, who is absent due to personal reasons, and is looking to capitalize on his solid shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box.
In defense, Bright Osayi-Samuel assumes the right-back role in the absence of injured Ola Aina, expected to showcase his pace and defensive prowess in overlapping runs. Meanwhile, experienced left-back Bruno Onyemaechi remains a mainstay, contributing his tactical acumen and solidity to the backline.
In the center of defense, captain William Troost-Ekong pairs up with Gabriel Osho to form a formidable partnership. Troost-Ekong’s leadership and defensive strengths will be crucial in stifling Rwanda’s attacking threats.
Midfield duties will fall on a trio of players – Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – as they strive to control the tempo of the game with Onyeka’s combativeness, Yusuf’s creativity, and Dele-Bashiru’s ability to break lines, ultimately enabling transitions from defense to attack.
Veteran forward Victor Boniface leads the line for the Super Eagles, accompanied by the mercurial duo of Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho on either wing. Simon’s blistering pace and Iheanacho’s sharp finishing abilities will pose significant problems for the Rwandan defense.
Note that a Rwandan win would send them through to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, whereas the Super Eagles, already qualified, are playing for pride and will aim to take a scalp from their visitors.
Starting XI:
- Maduka Okoye – Goalkeeper
- Bright Osayi-Samuel – Right-Back
- Bruno Onyemaechi – Left-Back
- William Troost-Ekong – Center-Back
- Gabriel Osho – Center-Back
- Frank Onyeka – Midfielder
- Alhassan Yusuf – Midfielder
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Midfielder
- Victor Boniface – Forward
- Moses Simon – Forward
- Kelechi Iheanacho – Forward
