Nigeria’s Super Eagles, already qualified for AFCON 2025, will face Rwanda with a reshuffled lineup due to Nwabali’s compassionate leave and Ademola’s injury.
As the Super Eagles gear up for their final group match against Rwanda in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers for Morocco 2025, uodates from the group confirm that the goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina are unavailable, while forward Ademola Lookman is recovering from an injury.
The match against Rwanda’s Amavubi team is set to take place on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Having already secured qualification for AFCON finals, scheduled for December 2025 in Morocco, Nigeria heads into this game with less pressure.
Super eagles head coach Austine Eguavoen has granted first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali a compassionate leave ahead of tomorrow’s final 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda following the loss of his father.
The 27-year-old announced the passing of his father, Chief Godspower Onyekam Anali, on Friday via social media. Chief Abali a former Chief surveyor, passed away at age 67.
With Nwabali unavailable for selection, the contest for the starting goalkeeper role in the crucial fixture will be between Maduka Okoye, who plays in Italy, and Amas Obasogie, who represents a club in Ethiopia.
Lookman, who sustained an injury during Thursday’s clash with Benin republic, did not participate in training on Saturday and remains doubtful for the game.
Meanwhile, Ola Aina has returned to England at the request if his club, Nottingham Forest. Reports indicate that the Premier League side requested coach Augustine Eguavoen release the defender early to prepare for their crucial fixture against Arsenal, given that Nigeria’s AFCON qualification is already secured.
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