Three Super Eagles stars ruled out for Nigeria’s AFCONQ vs Rwanda as Atalanta’s Lookman leaves camp

Nigeria will face Rwanda on Monday in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier without three key players—Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Stanley Nwabali.

The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed their absence on Sunday, a day before the clash in Uyo.

While the Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the AFCON finals in Morocco, the stakes remain high for Rwanda, who need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Nigeria head coach Augustine Eguavoen emphasized that his team would still “go all out for victory”.

Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, has been excused following the death of his father.

Nottingham Forest requested that wing-back Olaoluwa Aina return to the UK for a vital Premier League fixture, while Ademola Lookman, who has scored twice in the qualifiers, left camp on Saturday after sustaining a knock during Thursday’s match against Benin Republic.

Despite the absences, the Super Eagles are focused on maintaining their form ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, where Rwanda will again be their opponents.

Monday’s game marks a return for goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, while Bright Osayi-Samuel is expected to start at right wing-back, with Bruno Onyemaechi filling in on the left. Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will anchor the defence.

Victor Osimhen, whose decisive goal against Benin secured Nigeria’s top spot in the group, will lead the attack.

Osimhen is aiming to surpass former captain Olusegun Odegbami in Nigeria’s all-time scoring chart.

With Lookman sidelined, Moses Simon will be pivotal, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Boniface in attack.

The Super Eagles have never lost to Rwanda, winning two and drawing four of their previous six encounters.