Eguavoen defends decision to release stars and how other Super Eagles stars could fill in

• Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has defended releasing players, including Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina, ahead of their final AFCON qualifier against Rwanda
• Despite already qualifying for AFCON 2025, Eguavoen emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
• The absence of key players offers opportunities for other squad members to step up

Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has made it clear that Nigeria’s final qualifying match against Rwanda is more than a mere formality, despite having already secured their ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and sitting comfortably on top of Group D. 

The encounter, scheduled for Monday, November 18, is important to maintaining momentum and help preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2025.

Eguavoen addressed the media on Sunday, November 17, emphasising the importance of every match, even when the stakes are seemingly low, 

“When the World Cup qualifiers come, I don’t know if I will be in charge or not, but we want to win every game,” he said.

The Super Eagles will be without some key players, including in-form Ademola Lookman, who left camp after picking up a knock, and Ola Aina, who returned to England at the request of his club. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was also excused due to the passing of his father.

Eguavoen defended his decision to release the players, particularly Lookman, whose fitness had become a concern, 

“He is slightly hurt and can’t play… he said that he is at 70 per cent,” the coach explained. Eguavoen also stated the importance of maintaining strong relationships with clubs, stating, 

“Nuno [Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest coach] called me and wanted Ola to return since we had already qualified. I sanctioned it. It’s part of the relationships we are building with club sides.”

With several key players missing, Eguavoen remains optimistic about the depth and versatility of his squad. 

How Super Eagles could line up against Rwanda

TheRadar has predicted the starting eleven for Super Eagles’ Monday, November 18 match against Rwanda:

Former number one goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to return, while Bright Osayi-Samuel could take the right wing-back position, with Bruno Onyemaechi slotting in at left wing-back. Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are expected to fill in the central defence.

In midfield, the coach could make use of either Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, or, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika. 

Meanwhile, the attacking lineup still looks formidable despite Lookman’s absence. Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Boniface should be vying for starting positions.

Victor Osimhen, who scored the crucial goal against Benin Republic that secured Nigeria’s spot at AFCON, might be brought in later in the match depending on how well the match turns out to be. The striker is tied with former captain Segun Odegbami at 23 goals for Nigeria and will aim to surpass that mark against Rwanda.

The match will also serve as a preview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Rwanda being Nigeria’s next opponent in March 2025. Eguavoen noted that this encounter will offer an opportunity to assess and refine the team’s strategies.

Eguavoen denies resignation rumours, says he’s still in charge

Previously, TheRadar reported that reports swirled in on Tuesday night, September 10, that Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen had resigned from his role following Nigeria’s goalless draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. 

However, Eguavoen has swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that no such decision has been made and that he remains fully in charge of the national team.