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.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded three points and three goals to Nigeria’s Super Eagles following the cancellation of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.

This ruling has strengthened Nigeria’s lead in their qualifying group.

With this decision, the Super Eagles now sit atop the group with 10 points from four matches, establishing a four-point advantage over their closest competitor, Benin.

Libya, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of the group with just one point.

Nigeria needs only a draw in their upcoming game against Benin in Abidjan next month to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament, set to be held in Morocco in December 2025.

CAF has also imposed a $50,000 fine on the Libya Football Federation, which must be paid within 60 days of receiving the official notice of the decision.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action against Libya following the Super Eagles’ troubling experience during their recent trip for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

President Tinubu praised the Nigerian players for their resilience despite facing significant difficulties in Libya.

After the team’s return, the president expressed his thoughts through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“The President commends the swift coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate situation and ensuring the safe return of our players,” the statement read.

President Tinubu also applauded the Super Eagles for maintaining their high spirits despite the ordeal, adding that their perseverance was commendable.

He further emphasized the unifying power of football, expressing disappointment in the Nigerian team’s treatment in Libya. “Football brings nations and people together, and the unsportsmanlike and inhumane treatment of our players is in stark contrast to the spirit of the game, which I deeply value,” Tinubu remarked.

The Nigerian leader called on football enthusiasts and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent such incidents in the future, stressing the importance of ensuring respect and fairness in the sport.

With this statement, Tinubu hopes to rally support for a positive resolution and prevent similar occurrences in African football.