AFCON: Super Eagles Face Amavubi With Key Players Missing

Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and key wingback Ola Aina have been ruled out, while Ademola Lookman remains a major doubt for Monday’s crucial 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D fixture against Rwanda’s Amavubi.

The match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

Nwabali was excused from the squad after the death of his father on Thursday, forcing him to attend to family matters. His absence was keenly felt by his South African club, Chippa United, during their penalty defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Home of Legends Cup semifinal on Saturday, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Nwabali’s spot in the squad has been taken by Darren Johnson, while Maduka Okoye will take over in goal for Nigeria against a determined Amavubi side at the Nest of Champions.

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Aina has returned to England at the request of his club, Nottingham Forest, who asked Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen to release the defender early for their crucial Premier League match against Arsenal, as Nigeria has already secured their AFCON qualification.

Another concern for the squad is Lookman, who missed Saturday’s training session due to a knock sustained in Thursday’s match against Benin Republic. Additionally, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will also be absent due to an undisclosed injury that kept him out of the Benin Republic clash.

Nigeria currently leads the group with 11 points, an unassailable position that secures their place in the tournament. As a result, Coach Eguavoen may give opportunities to fringe players eager to prove their worth, with pride as their only motivation for the match.

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Rwanda sits third in the group with 5 points, while Benin Republic occupies second place with 7 points. A win for Rwanda, although highly unlikely, would see them leapfrog Benin to secure second place and the final AFCON qualification spot. Meanwhile, Benin will face an uphill battle against Libya, who recently boosted their chances of advancing with a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday, a result that ultimately confirmed Nigeria’s qualification.

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