The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for a crucial pair of matches in their bid to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With the team’s most seasoned players back in the fold, the squad is set to face Benin Republic and Rwanda in September’s qualifying fixtures.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, who earned the title of Man-of-the-Competition in the most recent AFCON, headlines the squad. Ekong was sidelined for the June qualifiers due to an injury but is now fully recovered and ready to lead the team. Joining him are Olaoluwa Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, both of whom also missed the last round of World Cup qualifiers due to injuries. The return of Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s reigning African Player of the Year, adds a significant boost to the squad’s offensive firepower.
Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has named a 26-man roster for the double-header. The squad includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Among the selected goalkeepers is AFCON 2023 standout Stanley Nwabali, who has been a key player for South Africa’s Chippa United. Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie also makes a return to the national team setup.
In defense, the versatile Olaoluwa Aina, currently with Nottingham Forest in England, and Olisa Ndah, who plies his trade with Orlando Pirates in South Africa, are set to bolster Nigeria’s backline. Aina’s ability to play as both a full-back and a wing-back will be vital in countering the attacking threats posed by the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and Rwanda’s Amavubi.
Midfield dynamo Wilfred Ndidi, who remains a pivotal figure for Leicester City in England, will marshal the Super Eagles’ midfield. Alongside him are Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge and Alex Iwobi of Fulham, who bring a blend of creativity and defensive stability to the team. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who has been in fine form for Lazio, will be looking to make an impact in his new role.
Up front, Nigeria’s attack will be spearheaded by the lethal Victor Osimhen, who continues to make waves in Italy with Napoli. He will be supported by Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, both of whom are expected to stretch opposition defenses with their pace and dribbling skills. Taiwo Awoniyi, who last featured for the Super Eagles in the 1-1 draw against Lesotho during the World Cup qualifiers, is back in the squad and eager to prove his worth.
The Super Eagles will host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before traveling to Kigali for the clash against Rwanda on Tuesday, 10th September at the Amahoro Stadium. Both matches are seen as critical to Nigeria’s qualification hopes, and the team is expected to report to camp in Uyo by Monday, 2nd September, to begin preparations.
Super Eagles Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC, Nigeria)
Defenders:
- 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)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
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)
The stage is set for an intense battle as the Super Eagles aim to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON with a strong showing in these upcoming qualifiers.
