The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Wasps of Rwanda and the Warriors of Zimbabwe during the upcoming March international break, Soccernet.ng reports.
All three nations are hungry to rack up points in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles are currently 5th on the table, a point above Zimbabwe.
Benin Republic, Rwanda, South Africa and Lesotho currently sit above Eric Chelle‘s side in the group, and things need to change fast for the three-time African Champions.
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The Super Eagles will be without Semi Ajayi, who recently reinjured his hamstring after spending the last three months recovering from the same injury. Rapheal Onyedika is also doubtful.
With these players out, coach Chelle will have to make some tweaks to the team ahead of his debut as Nigeria’s coach. Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup with the players available in tip-top condition.
Goalkeeper: Without a doubt, Stanley Nwabali is expected to start in goal against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. He’s struggled a bit with his club side, largely due to the loss of his parents. Chippa United’s head coach had to apologize for fielding the Nigerian without giving him enough time to grieve. The 28-year-old is still the Super Eagles’ best option in goal.
Not been easy healing❤️. Man Of The Match and a clean sheet. All thanks to the team ❤️. We go again #cleansheet #Nwabali #SafeHands #MVP pic.twitter.com/IcU1IsBx7Q
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) March 1, 2025
Defenders: Eric Chelle mostly featured a back-four during his time as Mali’s head coach, and it is widely anticipated he’ll revert to the same with the Super Eagles, bringing an end to the famous back three integrated by Jose Peseiro.
William Troost-Ekong’s leadership at the back will be very important for Nigeria, and in-form Fulham centre-back, Calvin Bassey, will likely start alongside the former Udinese man.
Midfielders: Nigeria’s games without Ndidi never feel the same. The Leicester City midfielder represents stability in midfield for the Super Eagles and could be paired alongside Alhassan Yusuf, who’s somewhat become a regular for MLS side New England Revolution.
Alex Iwobi is in the form of his life in the English Premier League this season, playing an advanced role under Marco Silva. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him the most creative Nigerian midfielder in Europe this season, he’ll be vital to the Super Eagles’ upcoming games.
Ademola Lookman’s return saw Atalanta win games again, and the CAF Player, who’s made the Super Eagles’ left wing his own since making his debut in 2022, will continue to do so against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Nigeria will travel to face Rwanda on the 19th of March before welcoming Zimbabwe to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on the 22nd of March.
The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf; Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. Do you have a different lineup in mind? Let us know in the comments.
