The Nigerian national football "Super Eagles" is set to compete against Rwanda's Amavubi on Monday in the final Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite having already secured qualification for the tournament in Morocco and claiming the top position in the group, Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen of Super Eagles has affirmed the team's commitment to achieving victory, even in the absence of key players, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Olaoluwa Aina, and forward Ademola Lookman.
Reports from Circleson Television indicate that Coach Eguavoen is eager to uphold the team's unbeaten streak and is expected to assemble a competitive lineup for the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, scheduled for 5 PM.
In a press release published on the Nigeria Football Federation's website, titled "Morocco 2025: Despite Ticket Secured, Super Eagles Aim for Victory Against Amavubi," Eguavoen highlighted the critical nature of maintaining momentum as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will resume in four months.
The team faces challenges due to the absence of pivotal players. Nwabali has departed the camp to mourn the passing of his father, Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest to fulfill club obligations, and Lookman, who has contributed two goals in the qualifiers, is sidelined due to a minor injury sustained during a recent match against Benin Republic.
The team will undergo strategic adjustments to compensate for the missing players, with Bright Osayi-Samuel anticipated to commence at right wing-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to occupy the left wing-back position. In central defense, Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey will serve as center-backs.
The midfield will feature a selection from Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika, who are prepared to exert control over the game.
Up front, Victor Osimhen will lead the attack, supported by Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Boniface. Osimhen, who recently scored the decisive goal against Benin Republic, seeks to enhance his scoring record and surpass Olusegun Odegbami on Nigeria's all-time goal-scoring chart.
The Super Eagles are resolute in their objective to avoid complacency, demonstrating their strength and resilience as they continue to pursue both continental and global success.