Afrigather Nigeria is not going to be underneath vital strain when the Tremendous Eagles face Rwanda of their closing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Monday.
Having already secured qualification and the highest spot in Group D, Augustine Eguavoen has the liberty to experiment along with his squad.
Nevertheless, whereas the match might sound inconsequential for Nigeria, there are stakes to contemplate.
Eguavoen has the possibility to hitch the elite ranks of Tremendous Eagles managers who’ve guided the staff by way of an unbeaten qualifying marketing campaign.
Moreover, Nigeria have a flawless document in opposition to Rwanda in six earlier conferences, a stat the Tremendous Eagles can be eager to take care of.
For Rwanda, the stakes are a lot larger.
Sitting third in Group D, the Amavubi should defeat Nigeria and hope Benin falter in opposition to Libya to have any probability of qualifying.
As such, Rwanda will method the sport with an urgency that calls for Nigeria’s consideration, even in what may really feel like a dead-rubber tie.
Eguavoen is more likely to shift from the conservative 3-4-3 formation that earned a 1-1 draw in opposition to Benin, opting as an alternative for a extra dynamic 4-3-3 setup.
Right here’s how the Tremendous Eagles are anticipated to line up on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium:
Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye is about to make his first Tremendous Eagles look because the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
With Stanley Nwabali excused from camp as a result of private causes, Okoye — spectacular for Udinese in Serie A — will almost certainly earn his thirteenth worldwide cap. His sharp reflexes and confidence will likely be essential in maintaining Rwanda’s ambitions at bay.
Defenders: Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi
Ola Aina’s return to England at Nottingham Forest’s request opens the door for Brilliant Osayi-Samuel at right-back.
The Fenerbahce star, one of many standout defenders within the Turkish Tremendous Lig, provides solidity and attacking thrust on the flank.
In central defence, captain William Troost-Ekong is anticipated to associate Calvin Bassey, with Gabriel Osho seemingly making method after debuting in opposition to Benin.
On the left, Bruno Onyemaechi has cemented his place, after displaying reliability and consistency for Boavista and the nationwide staff in latest instances.
Midfielders: Onyeka, Yusuf, Iwobi
The midfield trio sees some reshuffling.
Wilfred Ndidi is about to be rested, paving the way in which for Alhassan Yusuf to step in because the holding midfielder.
Frank Onyeka, along with his box-to-box vitality, is favoured over Raphael Onyedika.
Within the artistic function, Alex Iwobi stays the pure alternative except Fisayo Dele-Bashiru recovers absolutely from a knock.
Iwobi’s imaginative and prescient and link-up play will likely be key to unlocking Rwanda’s defence.
Forwards: Simon, Boniface, Chukwueze
Victor Osimhen, recent from scoring his twenty third worldwide purpose in opposition to Benin, is uncertain for this conflict.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, regardless of his modest return of 1 purpose in 9 video games for Nigeria, ought to step up because the central striker.
On the left, Moses Simon’s impactful cameo in opposition to Benin — the place he assisted Osimhen’s equaliser — earns him a beginning berth in Ademola Lookman’s absence.
Simon’s potential to ship in crunch moments might be decisive.
The fitting flank poses a dilemma. Kelechi Iheanacho’s poor displaying in opposition to Benin seemingly guidelines him out, whereas Samuel Chukwueze, regardless of latest struggles, is poised to start out.
The AC Milan winger may use this match to rebuild confidence and discover his rhythm.
Last Whistle
Whereas Rwanda will struggle tooth and nail for a historic win, Nigeria’s superior high quality and depth ought to shine by way of.
Eguavoen’s potential tactical changes, mixed with standout abilities like Simon, Boniface, and Chukwueze, make the Tremendous Eagles sturdy favourites to shut their AFCON qualifying marketing campaign on a excessive.
Victory wouldn’t solely keep Nigeria’s unbeaten document but in addition set a constructive tone because the Tremendous Eagles put together for his or her continental problem in Morocco subsequent yr.
