Maduka Okoye is finally back between the posts for Nigeria. Augustine Eguavoen made seven changes to his starting XI for Monday’s AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, and the Udinese goalkeeper’s recall stands out as the headline decision — his first start for the Super Eagles since the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon, a gap of several years.
Softfootball gathered that the changes go well beyond goal, with Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi all named among the substitutes as Eguavoen looks to manage fitness across a demanding qualifying window.
Bright Osayi-Samuel steps in at left-back for the injured Ola Aina, while Gabriel Osho partners captain William Troost-Ekong at centre-back.
Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru make up the midfield three, with Victor Boniface leading the attack supported by Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon on the wings.
With qualification already secured, the lineup looks built for rotation and fresh legs as much as for the result itself, giving fringe players a chance to stake their claim.
