Osimhen, Lookman benched as Okoye, Boniface start for Eagles against Rwanda

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will start from the bench as the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Rwanda in their final game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Austin Eguavoen, the Eagles interim coach, made seven changes to the line-up that started Friday’s 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic.

Maduka Okoye returns to the Eagles starting-eleven for the first time since the AFCON quarter-final in 2022. He comes in after Stanley Nwabali was excused from the squad after the passing of his father a few days ago.

Bright Osayi-Samuel also plays right back in place of Ola Aina, who was released early to return to his club. Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Alhassan Yusuf get their opportunities as the midfield trident, with Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi dropping to the bench.

Up front, only Kelechi Iheanacho maintained his role from the previous game, with Victor Boniface and Moses Simon replacing Osimhen and Lookman, respectively.

The Eagles have qualified for the 2025 AFCON, but the match, billed for 5 pm at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, would be a test match for the team’s cohesion and allow a new crop of players to flaunt their qualities.

SUPER EAGLES XI: Maduka Okoye, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, William Troost-Ekong, Gabriel Osho, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface