AFCON 2025: Eguavoen justifies striking choices as Super Eagles prepare for Rwanda showdown

With 56 caps, Kelechi Iheanacho leads Super Eagles strikers in experience, but his club struggles continue to challenge Eguavoen’s faith in him.

Super Eagles interim head coach Austin Eguavoen has defended his squad selection for Nigeria’s concluding matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Many Nigerian football enthusiasts have questioned Eguaveon’s decision to overlook Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Akorede, who are on fire for their clubs for Kelechi Iheanacho and Sadiq Umar, who are currently struggling in the La Liga.

Defending his choice, Eguavoen told Eagle7fm Sports Radio, “I’ve had to stick with players I know. It’s difficult to work with players I haven’t coached before, especially with such limited preparation time. We’ve only had three or four days to get ready for these matches, so there’s no time to assess new players.”

“Time is my biggest challenge because the calendar is so tight,” the former Bendel Insurance coach continued, saying, “I want to expand our pool of players so we have capable replacements. Fans should be patient; we’ll introduce new players during friendlies when there’s more time to work with them.”

In October, Eguavoen defended Iheanacho’s inclusion, citing his pedigree as the most experienced Super Eagles striker after Victor Osimhen.

Iheanacho’s appearance in the 1-1 draw against Benin Republic brought his caps to 56—the most of any striker invited this November.

Having secured qualification for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Nigeria will face Rwanda in their final group game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Meanwhile, Stanley Nwabali has been excused to mourn his father’s passing, and Ola Aina has returned to Nottingham Forest at his club’s request. Ademola Lookman remains doubtful after missing Saturday’s training session following a knock against Benin in Abidjan.