AFCON 2025: Nigeria targets strong finish against Rwanda as Lookman exits camp

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to take on Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday in the final Group D encounter 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 will likely name a strong squad when Nigeria host Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo by 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’s website, Eguavoen expressed the importance of maintaining the team’s momentum.

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

The match comes amid the absence of key players.

Lookman joins Aina, Nwabali

First-choice goalkeeper, Nwabali, has left camp following the demise of his father; defender Olaoluwa Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest for club duties; and forward Ademola Lookman, nursing a knock from Thursday’s encounter against Benin Republic, has also exited camp.

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

PUNCH Online had earlier reported Lookman as a doubt inclusion in the Rwanda game.

Despite this, Eguavoen remains confident in his squad’s depth.

“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 deliver,” he stated.

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

2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Rwanda is in the same group as Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the two teams set to meet again in March 2025.

This match, therefore, provides an early psychological edge.

Key changes in the lineup are expected, with Maduka Okoye returning to guard the goal and Bright Osayi-Samuel likely to fill Aina’s position at right wingback. Bruno Onyemaechi is tipped to play on the left, while the centre-back pairing of Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will anchor the defence.

In the midfield, Nigeria boasts a wealth of options, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, alongside rising talents like Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Upfront, Victor Osimhen, whose goal against the Benin Republic secured Nigeria’s group leadership, 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 surpassing former captain Olusegun Odegbami’s goal tally for Nigeria, is eager to leave his mark.

“This is a chance to not only win but also to show our readiness for bigger challenges ahead,” the Galatasaray striker remarked.

The Super Eagles’ determination to deliver a top-tier performance reflects their broader ambition of staying competitive ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.