With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket already in the bag, it is pertinent for Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen to ring some changes to the team that played a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic.
The three-time African Champions will face the Amavubi of Rwanda on Monday in Uyo in their final fixture of the qualifiers.
Already, a minor injury has ruled Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman out of Tuesday’s game, while defender Ola Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest after his club pleaded for him to be released a bit earlier than scheduled.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has also been excused after being permitted to leave the camp following the death of his father.
With the development, Maduka Okoye who is expected to be in goal against the glory-chasing Rwandans, it will be his first start for the Super Eagles since returning from a self-imposed break since Nigeria’s round-of-16 exit at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
In the absence of Aina, Turkey-based Bright Osayi-Samuel is favoured to take up the role at right full-back, with Bruno Onyemaechi taking up the left side.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and new boy Gabriel Osho should retain their spot in the dead rubber contest.
It will not be out of place to rest Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who can equally turn things around, and also stake a claim.
Reigning Africa footballer of the year Victor Osimhen needs a rest as he has been the main man all through the qualifiers, but it is imperative to allow Victor Boniface to lead the attack, while Moses Simon comes in from the left, and Kelechi Iheanacho should get another start too.
Iheanacho has been far from convincing since the AFCON in Ivory Coast, but as one of the top players in the team, the Sevilla forward needs to integrate himself in, particularly ahead of the World Cup qualifiers which return next year.
Proposed Starting XI was Rwanda
Maduka Okoye
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bruno Onyemaechi
Frank Onyeka
William Troost-Ekong
Gabriel Osho
Kelechi Iheanacho
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Moses Simon
Victor Osimhen
Kelechi Iheanacho
