Nigeria officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw against Benin at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny last Thursday. But they have just one more hurdle to cross as they play Rwanda in their final game of the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles will be looking to end the qualifiers on a strong note when they lock horns with the Amavubi (wasps) at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen will be without important players like Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, and Ademola Lookman. Nonetheless, the Super still have a lot of quality players to prosecute the tie.
In this piece, Soccernet.ng highlights five players who would be integral to Nigeria’s victory on Monday.
1. Victor Osimhen
Whether in Africa or Galatasaray, the 25-year-old striker has proven to be a reliable hitman. Osimhen scored the vital equalizer for the Super Eagles against Benin last time out. He is currently Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer with 23 goals, and he will have extra motivation as he is 14 goals behind Rashidi Yekini who has 37. Against a Rwandan side, Osimhen should be able to score one or two.
2. William Troost-Ekong
Troost-Ekong had a disappointing performance in the last game against Benin and that was why Nigeria was very shaky defensively. However, this time, he will be looking to up and ante and be the fantastic captain he has been for the last ten months.
3. Maduka Okoye
The Udinese star has been on the periphery in the past year, especially since Stanley Nwabali broke into the scene. However, with the Chippa United star absent, Okoye will be looking to put in a God show for Nigeria. He has a point to prove, hence Rwandan players could have a difficult day putting goals past him.
4. Moses Simon
Simon’s introduction into Nigeria’s last game against Benin breathed some life into the attack. His experience and trickery on the ball would be a big advantage in Lookman’s absence.
5. Wilfred Ndidi
The Leicester City man registered an assist in Uyo two months ago, and he will be looking to repeat that. Ndidi’s presence in midfield hardly ever goes unnoticed, and he will be looking to put his quality to good use against Rwanda.
