The Super Eagles will be without two players as they face Rwanda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Monday.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been excused on compassionate grounds following the death of his father, Godspower Onyekam Abali, Chief Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, who passed away at 67.
Nwabali announced the tragic loss on his social media on Friday.
However, Nwabali will visit his family before returning to Uyo to support his teammates from the stands.
“He has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his teammates on,” Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed to thenff.com.
Defender Ola Aina, who started the Super Eagles' 1-1 draw against Benin in Abidjan, has also left camp. Aina returned to England to rejoin Nottingham Forest at the club's request.
Who starts for the Super Eagles in Nwabali's absence?
With Nwabali absent, the battle for the number-one jersey will be between Maduka Okoye, who plays in Italy, and Ethiopia-based Amas Obasogie with the former likely to start.
Meanwhile, forward Ademola Lookman missed Saturday’s training session after complaining of a knock, while midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also has a slight sprain but is expected to make the match-day squad.
The in-form winger is being monitored and a decision on his availability for the match will be made on Sunday.
The Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the AFCON tournament and currently lead Group D with 11 points. Benin is second with 7 points, followed by Libya with 5, while Rwanda sits bottom with 4.
Despite the absences, Nigeria will aim to end the qualifiers on a high note in front of home fans, with expectations of an entertaining match against the Amavubi of Rwanda.
