2025 Afconq Wasps v Super Eagles: Match preview, what to expect, confirmed team news, key players

The Super Eagles will continue their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a clash against Rwanda's Wasps.

The three-time African champions won their opening fixture comfortably, beating West African counterparts Benin 3-0.

Conversely, Rwanda could only secure a point in their opening fixture, coming from a goal down to play a 1-1 draw with Libya.

Match preview 

The Super Eagles have never lost to Rwanda, winning twice and drawing three times in their past encounters, but haven't faced the East African nation in six years.

After ending a two-match winless streak against Benin, Nigeria will be highly motivated but can't afford to be complacent against Torsten Spittler's side.

Rwanda are in good form, winning two and losing once in their last game and haven't lost at home since last November in the last AFCON qualifiers.

They are also in the same group as Nigeria in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and have amassed seven points, four more than Nigeria.

While the Super Eagles will be the favourite to win the game, Rwanda will be no pushover based on their current form.

What to expect

Austin Eguavoen reverted the Super Eagles’ shape to 3-4-3, the formation that got them to the final of the last AFCON and the decision paid off against the Cheetahs.

It will be surprising if Eguavoen changes his team's shape for tomorrow's clash as he will be seeking to make it back-to-back wins.

Nigeria will make use of the flank a lot, pushing the fullbacks forward to complement the trickery and pack forward.

Rwanda have alternated between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 in recent games but regardless of their formation for the fixture, they won't throw caution to the wind. 

The Super Eagles’ attack boast the reigning African Men's Player of the Year and one of the front runners for this Year's in their ranks which will play a role in the Wasps’ approach to the game. 

Confirmed team news

Nigeria's interim coach Augustine Eguavoen revealed at the pre-match press conference that the twenty-three players called up for the internationals this month are available for selection. 

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi suffered from fatigue against Benin and was substituted with ten minutes remaining. 

Key players

1. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The Atalanta forward has six goals in his last nine games for the Super Eagles and will be expected to play another key role in the fixture.

2. William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria): He made a return to the starting lineup against the Cheetahs and picked up where he left it in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Al-Kholood centre-back experience will be needed to combat what promises to be a hostile environment.

3.Fitina Omborenga (Rwanda): The right-back is the most experienced player in the Wasps’ squad for the clash and his experience will be needed against a very buoyant Super Eagles attack 

4.Innocent Nshuti: The 26-year-old scored the equalizer against Libya and has netted four goals in 18 games for the East African country.

The Super Eagles’ defence will need to keep a close eye on the Knoxville's striker in the game.

Venue and kickoff time 

The match is scheduled to be held at Amahoro Stadium, with kickoff expected at 1400 hours Nigerian time.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com