The Super Eagles will take on the Wasps of Rwanda on Monday in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, with Coach Augustine Eguavoen eager to close out the campaign on a high note, despite missing three key players.
Though the match is a dead rubber, with Nigeria already qualified for the tournament in Morocco, Eguavoen emphasised the importance of finishing strong. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili has been excused from the squad after the passing of his father, while defenders Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman have also been released for personal reasons.
Eguavoen explained that Aina’s absence was due to a prearranged agreement with his club, Nottingham Forest. “Before our game against Benin Republic in Côte d’Ivoire, I spoke with Forest’s manager, Nuno, and they requested Aina’s release should we qualify,” Eguavoen said. “We honored that request to maintain good relations.”
Regarding Lookman, the coach cited fitness concerns. “Ademola expressed that he could only play at 70% fitness. He asked to be excused, and after considering the situation, we agreed to let him go.”
Despite these absences, Eguavoen reassured fans that Nigeria’s depth would ensure a competitive performance. “This is an opportunity for other players to step up,” he added, with Maduka Okoye and Bright Osayi poised to make their debuts in the qualifiers.
