Nigeria’s Super Eagles may be without two key players as they prepare to face Rwanda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday.

The team returned to Nigeria on Friday after securing a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic. Their qualification for the AFCON tournament had already been confirmed earlier in the week, following Libya’s 1-0 win over Twanda, which guaranteed Nigeria’s spot before the match in Abidjan.

Defender Ola Aina has left the team and flown back to the United Kingdom. While the reason for his departure remains unclear, his absence leaves a gap in the squad for their upcoming match. Aina’s contributions have been pivotal in Nigeria’s defense, and his unavailability is a setback for head coach Augustine Eguavoen.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also set to miss the Rwanda clash. The shot-stopper is grieving the loss of his father, who passed away on Thursday. Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on his Instagram page, prompting the team to excuse him from the fixture to be with his family during this difficult time.

With qualification secured, the Super Eagles may opt to rotate their squad and provide opportunities for other players in their final qualifying match.

However, the absence of key players like Aina and Nwabali underscores the challenges faced by the team heading into the encounter against Rwanda.

Despite these setbacks, Nigeria remains determined to end its qualifying campaign on a high note, showcasing the depth and talent in its squad.

Fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to these challenges as it looks ahead to the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Endrick’s journey at Real Madrid has been anything but smooth, marked by highs and lows that have tested the young Brazilian star’s resolve.

Once celebrated as a prodigious talent with a bright future, his current struggles have cast a shadow over the early promise he showed.

A Star in the Making

Endrick’s rise to fame was meteoric. He dazzled with early debuts in La Liga (against Valladolid) and the Champions League (against Stuttgart), where he broke records as one of the youngest scorers.

These performances cemented his reputation as a global sensation, and his ability to deliver under pressure was heralded as extraordinary for someone so young.

However, his progress hit a snag after his first start against Lille, a match that inadvertently marked the start of a slump.

Since then, Endrick has seen limited game time, with only 15 minutes played in his last six matches and a stretch of five games where he remained unused.

Resilience Beyond His Years

Despite his current challenges, Endrick is no stranger to overcoming adversity. At Palmeiras, he endured a 12-match goalless streak—a significant hurdle for a player known for his scoring prowess. But under Abel Ferreira’s guidance, he bounced back, scoring a decisive goal in the Paulistão final and proving his mental fortitude.

Endrick’s resilience is evident in his words. In an interview with GQ Brazil, he reflected on the pressures of being in the spotlight:
> “Sometimes I wonder why so many media outlets focus on me.

I never asked for this. Some things go too far—‘Oh, he’s the new Pelé.’ No one will ever be Pelé; he’s the king of football. But I can’t control what people say. Critics will always be there.”

Competing in a Star-Studded Squad

Joining Real Madrid has intensified the pressure on Endrick. Competing against established stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler, Endrick’s opportunities have been limited.

However, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains impressed with his attitude and training efforts.

“He’s doing very well and showing great potential,” Ancelotti noted, highlighting Endrick’s professionalism. However, the coach also emphasized that playing time must be earned:
> “There will be no gifts—only merit.”

Impact on His Brazil Career

The lack of game time at Madrid has also affected Endrick’s international standing.

Brazil coach Dorival Júnior excluded him from the latest squad, even after Rodrygo’s injury. Instead, Gabriel Martinelli was called up.

Endrick’s omission marks the first time he will watch Brazil’s matches from the sidelines since his debut last November. While he was initially impressed on the international stage with three goals in his first five appearances, including a standout performance at Wembley, he has yet to score.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) views his current situation as part of a natural developmental process, linked closely to his limited minutes at Madrid.

A New Chapter Ahead

Now 18, Endrick remains focused on training and regaining his form.

During the international break, he’ll work at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre to prepare for upcoming matches. With two weeks to reset, Endrick is determined to overcome the challenges and reclaim his brilliance, both for his club and his country.

While the road has been tough, Endrick’s story is far from over. His resilience and determination could very well pave the way for a resurgence that reminds the world why he was once hailed as the next big thing.

Ruben Amorim is stepping into his role as Manchester United’s new head coach with a realistic outlook, acknowledging the “challenging” journey ahead.

After overseeing his final match as Sporting CP’s manager—a 4-2 victory over Braga to preserve their flawless start to the Primeira Liga season—Amorim wrapped up his successful tenure with a remarkable record.

The 39-year-old achieved 164 wins in 231 games (D34 L33), leaving with a club-best 71% win rate.

Amorim joins United after an encouraging stint by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who remained unbeaten in four games. Despite the boost from recent results, Amorim is aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting him at Old Trafford.

“I’m ready for this new challenge,” Amorim shared with reporters after his final Sporting match. “But I’m not naive; I understand this will be very different and very demanding. I’m at peace now, able to focus fully on what lies ahead, and I’m excited to start tomorrow.”

Though hopeful about the fresh opportunity, he also acknowledged the unique pressures of his new role: “I know it will be hard to replicate what I had here, but there are other places with their own exposure and intensity.”

The club has yet to officially confirm Amorim’s backroom team, leaving it unclear if Van Nistelrooy will remain. The former United striker rejoined the club over the summer as an assistant to Erik ten Hag, signing a two-year contract. “I’ll speak with him [on Monday],” Amorim noted. “I’ll be straightforward. Let’s see where we stand.”

With 13 days before United’s next game, an away match against Ipswich Town on November 24, Amorim has the international break to prepare. He will make his Old Trafford debut shortly after, on November 28, in a Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt.