Nigeria suffers multiple absentees ahead of last AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda

The Super Eagles will be without a couple of key players for Monday’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Uyo, Nigeria. The three times African champions already secured qualification on Thursday after Libya defeated Rwanda leaving the West Africans with the ticket before their 1-1 draw with Benin later that night.

It thus made the final game between Nigeria and Rwanda, a mere formality for the former but a must win for the latter. However, the Nigerians look depleted after three key players were excused from the game.

First, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was allowed to be away from the team for personal reasons after the demise of his father. The South Africa based player has now left camp to attend to family matters.

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is still with the team, but his fitness is in doubt after he was excused from Saturday’s training session. He suffered a knock in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic.

In the most extreme case, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina returned to base in England after the Premier League club demanded that he return and rest well ahead of their first game after the international break against Arsenal.

Coach Austin Eguavoen sanctioned the release the defender early after Nigeria’s AFCON ticket had been secured. Nigeria’s head coach told the teeming fans of the Super Eagles what to expect after the 2025 AFCON qualifiers are completed.

“Time is my biggest challenge because the calendar is so choked. I want to improve our large pool of players so that we can have capable replacements. We should be patient. When we have friendlies, we will try to bring some new players and work with them. I know Nigerians love this game so much, but sometimes we’re not patient,” Eguavoen said.

While a win for Rwanda in Nigeria may be enough, they will only qualify for the AFCON if the Libyans defeat Benin Republic, which has seven points with a game left.