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.
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