A night of tension, flair, and controversy saw Rodrygo ignite the spectacle with an early strike, only for Julián Álvarez to level the score with a moment of magic.

His return to action is a timely boost, as head coach Eric Chelle looks to assemble his strongest squad for the must-win World Cup qualifiers.

Rwanda, who currently top Group C with seven points from four matches, will host Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before facing Lesotho four days later.

His maturity and skill have earned praise from Mikel Arteta, who has drawn comparisons between him and former Arsenal prodigy Jack Wilshere.

In 2022, he shattered a 34-year-old Nigerian national record in the 400m hurdles, clocking 48.42s to win the Big 12 title.

Balogun, if fit and in form, could strengthen the defensive options for new head coach Eric Chelle, who is set to announce his squad soon.

“Fight by fight, Joseph is establishing more credibility, more menace. They’ll all be saying, ‘This guy is dangerous,’ and after the other day, ‘He really is dangerous.’”

Despite injury concerns, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (ankle) and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye (out since December) have also been named.

The Flamingos will be aiming for a strong first-leg performance in Pretoria as they seek to qualify for their seventh FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance.

Badalona took the lead (44′) through Argentine captain Estefania Banini, who weaved past two defenders before finishing inside the box.