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Nigerians, hold your breath - these five could make all the difference for Eric Chelle after missing that surprise Super Eagles defeat against Rwanda in Uyo!
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up for a rematch with Rwanda this weekend in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ), and after a stunning 2-1 defeat in Uyo during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, all eyes are on the big names who could turn the tide.
That loss, Rwanda’s first-ever win over Nigeria, exposed cracks in the squad, with several key players absent or sidelined.
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08:55 - 17.03.2025
Baller of the Week: Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen retains crown
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen beats off competition from Super Falcons' duo to keep the Naija Stars Abroad's Baller of the Week title for the next two weeks.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
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07:57 - 17.03.2025
Naija Stars Abroad: Victor Osimhen, Super Falcons stars lead with hattricks, Lookman & Sadiq caged
From hat-tricks to clean sheets, the weekend showed the flair, fight, and finesse of Naija Stars Abroad led by Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons players.
Here’s a look at five stars who could bolster the Eagles as they aim to bounce back.
1. Ademola Lookman – The African King
Atalanta's main man and Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, was a glaring omission in Uyo.
After helping Nigeria seal the AFCON 2025 qualification against Benin Republic, the Atalanta winger was granted leave to return to his club.
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His flair, pace, and goal-scoring nous were sorely missed as the Eagles struggled to break down Rwanda’s defence.
With Lookman back in the fold, expect a jolt of creativity and cutting edge that could punish the Amavubi on their home turf.
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2. Ola Aina – Premier League’s Flying Fullback
Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina has been a revelation in the Premier League this season, earning plaudits as one of the league’s top fullbacks.
Yet, like Lookman, he was released back to his club before the Rwanda clash in the last international break of 2024.
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His absence left Nigeria vulnerable out wide, and his return could shore up the defence while adding an attacking thrust down the flank, crucial against a Rwanda side that exploited the Eagles’ backline.
3. Wilfred Ndidi – The Midfield Anchor
Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, a mainstay in Nigeria’s engine room, watched the Uyo upset from the bench as interim boss Austine Eguavoen opted for a rare midfield trio of Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
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The experiment flopped, with Rwanda slicing through the middle to score twice.
Ndidi’s tenacity, ball-winning ability, and experience could restore balance and bite, ensuring the Super Eagles don’t get overrun again.
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4. Alex Iwobi – The Creative Spark
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, who logged 72 minutes against Benin days earlier, was another surprise benchwarmer in Uyo.
His vision and playmaking were missed as Nigeria lacked cohesion going forward.
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Though his recent club form was patchy, Iwobi’s knack for unlocking defences could be the X-factor to break Rwanda’s resistance in Kigali, especially with a point to prove after being overlooked last time.
5. Stanley Nwabali – The Wall Between the Posts
Perhaps the biggest blow in Uyo was the absence of Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s No. 1 since AFCON 2023.
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The Chippa United shot-stopper was excused after the tragic passing of his father, leaving Maduka Okoye to step in for his first cap in two years.
Okoye couldn’t keep a clean sheet, and Nigeria conceded twice, snapping a six-game run of defensive solidity.
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Nwabali’s commanding presence and shot-stopping ability could be the backbone the Eagles need to avoid another upset.
With Nigeria languishing fifth in their WCQ group with just three points from four games, this weekend’s clash is do-or-die.
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The return of Lookman, Aina, Ndidi, Iwobi, and Nwabali could be the firepower new boss Eric Chelle’s side needs to roar back and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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