Nigeria have unveiled a formidable 23-man squad for their 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The Super Eagles reached the final of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, but they will be keen to go one step further this time around in Morocco. First, they must navigate what appears to be a very tough Group D also featuring Libya.
Headlining the list is Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who reportedly is on the cusp of leaving the Serie A giants. Joining him is 2023 AFCON Most Valuable Player William Troost-Ekong, returning to the fold after recovering from injury.
Others returning to the team include Olisa Ndah of Orlando Pirates, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, and Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. The regular stalwarts, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi, and Ademola Lookman, are all in the starting lineup for a great start to their new manager, Bruno Labbadia, as coach of the Super Eagles.
First, the Super Eagles will take on Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September before jetting to Kigali to face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.
Nigeria Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Centre-backs: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Nd
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
