Confirmed: Nigeria XI vs Rwanda – Boniface ahead of Osimhen as Lookman in & Iwobi out for Super Eagles

The Super Eagles’ starting roster for Nigeria’s clash against Rwanda has been confirmed ahead of kickoff, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Amavubi are playing hosts to Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on matchday two of the qualifying series of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

For this game against Rwanda, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has made one change to the Super Eagles squad that defeated Benin on Saturday.

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been given the nod to start in attacking midfield ahead of Fulham’s Alex Iwobi.  

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his number one gloves in goal behind the centre-back trio of captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey.

Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi remain the preferred options at right wingback and left wingback respectively while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi continue in midfield.

In attack, it is a surprise that Victor Osimhen has returned to sit among the substitutes after his excellent showing from the bench against Benin.

Osimhen scored Nigeria’s second goal in that encounter barely six minutes after his introduction. Instead, Eguavoen has asked Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface to lead the line as he did against the Cheetahs. 

Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s hero on Saturday, flanks Boniface on the left wing while AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze will provide support on the right.

Lookman scored two excellent goals to inspire Nigeria to a 3-0 win over the Cheetahs and the Atalanta ace will be keen to repeat that exploit inside the Amahoro Stadium.

The Super Eagles have never lost a game against Rwanda in five meetings with the Super Eagles registering two wins and three draws versus the Wasps.

Nigeria’s starting lineup vs Rwanda

Nwabali; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Boniface, Lookman