Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has benched captain William Troost-Ekong in favour of Benjamin Fredrick in his starting XI for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game against Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria need to get all three points when they face the Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, to stay in touch with Group C leaders South Africa.
With kickoff set for about an hour, coach Chelle has revealed his starting lineup to do battle, and the biggest update is Troost-Ekong’s omission.
Although Chelle’s decision to bench Troost-Ekong is surprising, it is logical. Troost-Ekong has not inspired much confidence since the last Africa Cup of Nations, when he won the Player of the Tournament.
During the last qualifying game against Zimbabwe, which Nigeria drew, Troost-Ekong was a culprit in their goal. Fredrick, on the other hand, looked really good at the Unity Cup in June.
Aside from Troost-Ekong, the usual suspects are there. Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi who captains the team, and Stanley Nwabali. Even Ademola Lookman, who hasn’t played a game since May starts.
Full Super Eagles XI Against Rwanda
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Benjamin Fredrick, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman
Forwards: Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen
Super Eagles XI against Rwanda. pic.twitter.com/jyx3jZDe13
— Kelvin OO (@KelvinOma_) September 6, 2025
It is a 4-4-2 formation, with Lookman playing the free role in the middle of the park.