Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Ndidi, Aina, Osayi-Samuel named in Super Eagles starting XI to face Rwanda

Malian football tactician Eric Chelle has announced his first starting lineup as Super Eagles coach ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda at Stade Amahoro in Kigali, allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report. 

Chippa United captain Stanley Nwabali starts in goal as he did in the previous World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Republic of Benin.

Tottenham Hotspur academy product William Troost-Ekong  makes his first appearance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, starting instead of Semi Ajayi who is unavailable for selection due to a long-term injury.

He is partnered in central defence by Fulham's Calvin Bassey, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina slot in as fullbacks meaning there is no full debut for Slavia Prague star Igoh Ogbu.

Premier League stars Alex Iwobi (Fulham) and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) have been picked as the central midfielders. 

Leading the line is Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen, supported by attacking options that include Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

Nigeria could potentially close the gap on Group C leaders, Benin, who are currently on eight points following Thursday's draw with Zimbabwe, with a win against Rwanda, reducing the point difference to two.

However, a victory for Bafana Bafana over Lesotho this evening would leave Nigeria trailing South Africa by four points midway through the qualifiers.

Super Eagles starting lineup v Rwanda: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Moses Simon, Chuwkueze, Lookman; Osimhen

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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