The Super Eagles will line up against Rwanda on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier as Nigeria struggles to escape fourth place in Group C.
Nigeria sits on seven points from six matches and must respond immediately to avoid slipping further behind. Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to ring changes after recent poor outings.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had fitness concerns earlier in the week, has been cleared to play and retains his starting shirt. He featured for his South African club, Chippa United, last weekend and is now set for his seventh consecutive international start.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will anchor the defence alongside Benjamin Fredrick, who impressed at the Unity Cup in June. Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina holds his spot at right-back, while Calvin Bassey is moved to left-back to reinforce the position.
Wilfred Ndidi will sit at the base of midfield with support from Alex Iwobi and Christantus Uche.
Uche, fresh from sealing a move to Crystal Palace, is rewarded for his lively debut against Ghana in June. Samuel Chukwueze is tipped to play in an advanced midfield role, linking the midfield with attack.
Victor Osimhen, the team’s talisman, leads the frontline with Nantes winger Moses Simon expected to provide width and creativity.
Ademola Lookman is left out, with fitness doubts after not featuring in a competitive match since May. The Leicester City forward has also faced uncertainty over his Atalanta future, a factor Chelle has considered in favouring Simon.
Predicted XI vs Rwanda
Nwabali; Ola Aina, Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi, Uche, Chukwueze; Simon, Osimhen.
Nigeria’s clash with Rwanda is critical, with the Amavubi lying just two points ahead. Defeat would leave Chelle’s men facing a steeper path to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.