As the Super Eagles prepare for their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchup against Rwanda’s Amavubi, players will travel straight from their bases to Kigali.
On Friday, March 21, this crucial game will be played at Amahoro Stadium. On Sunday, March 16, the Super Eagles will begin their training camp in Kigali in order to be ready for this match.
When the Super Eagles played the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic on the road, they went straight to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Within four days of the Rwandan game, the team will play the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles are currently looking for their first victory in the qualifiers after three draws and one loss thus far.
Super Eagles goalie Maduka Okoye, meantime, might not play in the forthcoming qualifiers because of his role in a betting controversy that is being looked at by Italian officials.
He might be subject to a lengthy ban if convicted. Okoye’s campaign has also been effectively ended early because Udinese has not enrolled him for the rest of the season.
Read Also: Reps Approve Tinubu’s Proposal for ₦54.2 Trillion 2025 Budget
Eric Chelle, the team’s head coach, will have to think about appropriate substitutes for Okoye given his absence. Chelle might wish to call up these three outstanding goalkeepers:
Adeleye Adebayo 1.
24-year-old Adebayo Adeleye, who is currently playing in the Cypriot First Division for Enosis Neon Paralimniou, has shown steady form lately, keeping six clean sheets.
In this critical scenario, his 1.86-meter height, quickness, and ability to stop shots make him an exceptional choice to step up. Adeleye’s high-level experience in Cyprus has equipped him to handle the demands of playing football internationally.
Second, Arthur Okonkwo
23-year-old Arthur Okonkwo is another promising young man. Now playing for Wrexham AFC in English League One, Okonkwo has developed his abilities through the Arsenal junior system and acquired useful domestic league experience.
His strong reflexes and fast reaction times, along with his impressive 1.98-meter stature, enable him to effectively command his area. A valuable addition to the national team, Okonkwo has demonstrated his ability to perform well under pressure by winning the Austrian Cup in the past.
Third, Owen Goodman
Owen Goodman, the youngest applicant, is 21 years old and currently on loan from Crystal Palace, playing for AFC Wimbledon in League Two. Goodman, a dependable shot-stopper who stands 1.93 meters tall, has the physicality required for aerial duels. His consistency and maturity on the field have been demonstrated by his 14 clean sheets this season. His encouraging performances show that he could be able to cover for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifying matches.
