Having secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeria will host Rwanda in Monday’s final qualifying match at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, aiming to end the campaign on a high note.
The Super Eagles’ performance in their recent 1-1 draw against Benin was unimpressive, despite Victor Osimhen’s 81st-minute equalizer.
The lackluster display has sparked much debate as Nigeria prepares to face third-place Rwanda, who still have everything to play for with 5 points.
Eguavoen’s side has recorded back-to-back home victories in Uyo, defeating Benin 3-0 and Libya 1-0, both with clean sheets.
The team will be looking to make it three straight wins as Rwanda comes to town on Monday.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the match:
Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:
W D W D
Nigeria form (all competitions):
L W D W W D
Rwanda Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:
D D L W L
Rwanda form (all competitions):
D L W L W L
Team News
Following Nigeria’s qualification, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina have returned to their respective clubs, Atalanta and Nottingham Forest, and will miss the match against Rwanda. Samuel Chukwueze and Bright Osayi-Samuel are expected to replace them in the starting lineup.
Read Also: Rwanda vs. Nigeria : Eguavoen confident Eagles can’t be intimidated
Maduka Okoye could make his first appearance between the sticks for Nigeria since 2022 following the death of Stanley Nwabali’s father, making the Chippa United goalie unavailable.
Nigeria’s possible starting lineup:
Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyedika, Ndidi; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Simon; Osimhen
Rwanda’s possible starting lineup:
Ntwari; Ombolenga, Mutsinzi, Manzi; Imanishimwe; Bizimana, Mugisha, Gueulette; Kwizera, Nshuti, Mugisha
Venue:
Godswill Akpabio Stadium
Kick Off:
5:00 pm
Predictions
Having recorded back-back home wins and maintaining an unbeaten run so far in 5 games, safe to say the Super Eagles of Nigeria will want to keep the momentum and secure maximum points against Rwanda who are not so convincing away from home.
Nigeria to Win
Nigeria to Win (1-0)
Both sides to score
