Osimhen benched again as Super Eagles prepare to face Rwanda in AFCON qualifier

Victor Osimhen will start from the bench once more as the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

Interim coach Austin Eguavoen has decided to leave the star striker out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Osimhen, 25, was also benched in the Super Eagles’ first qualifier against the Benin Republic on Saturday.

He later came on as a substitute and made an impact by scoring the second goal in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over the Squirrels, who are coached by former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr.

For the match against Rwanda, Eguavoen has opted to maintain the attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze.

Lookman, who was recently nominated for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, netted a brace against Benin and is eager to continue his impressive form in Kigali.

READ ALSO: Super Eagles star Lookman nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Basiru has been selected over Alex Iwobi, while the defensive lineup remains unchanged, featuring Williams Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Stanley Nwabali will once again start in goal, preferred over the rejuvenated Maduka Okoye.

Nigeria is competing in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers, alongside Benin, Rwanda, and Libya.

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali

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Defenders: Williams Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Basiru

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface