Super Eagles’ head coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced the starting lineup for Saturday’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Republic of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
In a surprising decision, Eguavoen has opted to exclude Napoli loanee striker Victor Osimhen from the starting XI. The star forward, who has been inactive for both club and country and arrived late to camp, will begin the match on the bench.
In his place, the attack will be spearheaded by Bayer Leverkusen’s in-form striker Victor Boniface, with AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze providing support.
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A major talking point in the lineup is the goalkeeping choice, where Eguavoen has selected Chippa United’s Nwabali over Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, who has been in fine form. This decision marks Nwabali’s first competitive start for the Super Eagles and underscores Eguavoen’s confidence in the 26-year-old shotstopper.
The defensive setup will see a back three anchored by captain William Troost-Ekong, who will continue to wear the armband in Ahmed Musa’s absence. He will be flanked by West Bromwich Albion’s Semi Ajayi and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey.
In midfield, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi will team up with Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, forming a dynamic partnership aimed at controlling the center of the park. The duo will be supported by Bruno Onyemaechi and Ola Aina as wingbacks, with Aina making his first start for the national team since the AFCON final, where he heroically played through injury.
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Despite not featuring for Atalanta since their Super Cup clash with Real Madrid, Ademola Lookman has retained his spot in the starting lineup, likely to add creativity and pace to the Nigerian attack.
The Super Eagles’ substitute’ bench includes a wealth of talent, with Osimhen, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Taiwo Awoniyi among those who could potentially impact the game as it unfolds. The bench is further bolstered by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Benjamin Tanimu, Amas Obasogie, Olisa Ndah, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf.
The match is set to be a crucial test for Nigeria as they seek to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how Eguavoen’s tactical decisions will play out on the pitch.
