Interim Nigeria manager Augustine Eguavoen has once again excluded Victor Osimhen from the starting lineup for the Super Eagles' 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, taking place at the Amahoro Stadium.
Osimhen, who was among the scorers in Nigeria's 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin last Saturday, had many Super Eagles fans calling for him to replace Victor Boniface in the attack for the match against Rwanda.
However, Eguavoen chose to stick with the Bayer Leverkusen forward, despite Boniface missing a few opportunities in the previous game.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru replaces Alex Iwobi in the starting XI
Eguavoen made one change to the squad that secured a dominant victory over Benin, with Alex Iwobi making way for Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Once again, Eguavoen set his team up in a 3-4-3 formation, as seen in last Saturday’s match. The backline remained unchanged. Stanley Nwabali appears to have solidified his position as Nigeria's number one and will be supported by William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey.
Ola Aina takes his place at right wing-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi is tasked with operating at the opposite end, with Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru deployed in the middle of the park for the Super Eagles.
The front three is also made up of the usual suspects – Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Boniface.
Nigeria confirmed lineup vs Rwanda
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong,
Semi Ajayi Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred
Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface,
Samuel Chukwueze
