Nigeria are aiming for a strong finish against Rwanda as Lookman leaves camp

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to take on Rwandan side Amavubi on Monday in the final Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

While the three-time African champions have already secured a ticket to Morocco 2025 and the top spot in the group, head coach Augustine Eguavoen has assured fans that the team will aim for victory even in the absence of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender. Olaoluwa Aina and forward Ademola Lookman.

PUNCH Online reports that Eguavoen will be keen to maintain the team’s unbeaten run and is likely to field a strong squad when Nigeria host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo at 5pm.

In a Sunday press release titled “Morocco 2025: Despite ticket in pocket, Super Eagles go for victory against Amavubi” published on the Nigeria Football Federation website, Eguavoen expressed the importance of maintaining the team’s momentum.

“We are determined to maintain our recent form and spirit as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers that resume in four months,” he said.

The match comes amid the absence of key players.

Lookman joins Aina, Nwabali

First-choice goalkeeper Nwabali has left the camp following the death of his father; defender Olaoluwa Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest on club duties; and striker Ademola Lookman, who suffered a blow after Thursday’s encounter against Benin Republic, has also left the camp.

“Rapid raider Ademola Lookman, with two goals in the qualifiers, like teammate Victor Osimhen, suffered a blow in front of this window’s double-header against the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan on Thursday and left camp on Saturday,” said the statement.

PUNCH Online had previously reported Lookman as a questionable inclusion in the Rwanda game.

Nevertheless, Eguavoen remains confident in the depth of his team.

“The absence of Nwabali, Aina and Lookman will not stop our momentum. This team is built to adapt, and we have players ready to step in and get results,” he said.

The Super Eagles are not overlooking the significance of Monday’s match.

Qualifying tournaments for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rwanda are in the same group as Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the two teams meeting again in March 2025.

This match therefore provides an early psychological advantage.

Major line-up changes are expected, with Maduka Okoye returning to guard goal and Bright Osayi-Samuel likely to take Aina’s position at right wing-back. Bruno Onyemaechi is tipped to play on the left, while the centre-back team of captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will anchor the defence.

In midfield, Nigeria have a wealth of options including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, alongside emerging talents such as Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Beforehand, Victor Osimhen, whose goal against Benin Republic secured Nigeria’s group lead, is expected to lead the attack. With Lookman unavailable, much will rest on the shoulders of Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar to provide the creative spark.

Osimhen, who is closing in on former captain Olusegun Odeggbami’s goal tally for Nigeria, is keen to make his mark.

“This is an opportunity not only to win, but also to demonstrate our readiness for greater challenges ahead,” the Galatasaray forward noted.

The Super Eagles’ determination to deliver top performances reflects their wider ambition to remain competitive ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.