In a stunning strategic decision, Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has left team captain William Troost-Ekong out of Nigeria’s starting lineup for its critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match with Rwanda.
The 32-year-old centre back, who was the first to arrive at camp ahead of the double-header, will start on the bench and be replaced by 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick. The FCV Dender EH youngster will play in the middle of Nigeria’s defence with Calvin Bassey in only his second national team appearance.
In Troost-Ekong’s absence, Wilfred Ndidi has been entrusted with the captaincy armband. Leicester City player will provide the midfield balance with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka.
At the front, the Super Eagles possess a devastating front line led by Victor Osimhen, with Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman, who has raised eyebrows amid his limited minutes this season for Atalanta.
Between the posts, Stanley Nwabali has recovered from a recent scare of injury to start between the posts, as Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi make up the defence line.
Nigeria, fourth in Group A with just seven points from six games, are facing a do-or-die situation in Saturday’s match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Kick-off is at 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka; Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.
