Rwanda vs Nigeria: Osimhen starts, Boniface benched in predicted Eric Chelle's first Super Eagles XI
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Rwanda's Amavubi in the World Cup qualifier on Friday, fans are eagerly anticipating the starting lineup.
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Rwanda will host the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier on Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
With the preparation in Super Eagles camp in Kigali as players are getting ready for the must-win encounter, here's a predicted starting eleven based on recent performances and team dynamics:
Checking in for international duty 💧🦅 pic.twitter.com/Q49ztIpF38
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 18, 2025
Goalkeeper:
Stanley Nwabali will likely start in goal, given his impressive performances for Chippa United in the South African League.
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Not been easy healing❤️🩹. Man Of The Match and a clean sheet. All thanks to the team ❤️. We go again 💪#cleansheet #Nwabali #SafeHands #MVP pic.twitter.com/IcU1IsBx7Q
— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) March 1, 2025
Defenders:
The defensive lineup may feature a mix of experience and youth, with William Troost-Ekong leading the backline alongside Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi.
After terrorizing Tottenham's attack last weekend in the Premier League, Calvin Bassey has returned to National duty with the Super Eagles, 🇳🇬 and will be hoping to stop Rwanda's attack on Friday!#SuperEagles #WCQ2026 #WCQ pic.twitter.com/zX3EPfIxVO
— Rhoda Etuk (@mfreke36) March 18, 2025
Midfielders:
In midfield, the trio of Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi could provide the necessary balance of defence and creativity.
William Ekong
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 18, 2025
Wilfred Ndidi
Calvin Bassey
Ademola Lookman
Alex Iwobi
Joseph Aribo
Igoh Ogbu
Bright Osayi-samuel
Ola Aina
9 more players arrive this morning pic.twitter.com/xcGKXUkuTY
Iwobi's vision and passing ability will be important in controlling the game and creating chances, while Ndidi will be solid to hold the centre pack.
Forwards:
Upfront, Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the attack, flanked by Moses Simon and African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
Early arrival of Super Eagles officials and four players - Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha and Kayode Bankole #SoarSuperEagles #CampUpdate pic.twitter.com/ttvvWrDu73
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 17, 2025
Osimhen's pace, strength, and finishing makes him Nigeria's biggest attacking threat and Simon's experience and pace could be a huge asset on the wing, while Lookman's skill and agility will provide a nightmare for Rwanda's defence.
Full Starting XI
(4-3-3): Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen.
23 for Rwanda & Zimbabwe WCQ #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uVa61KUFC4
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 11, 2025