Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has revealed his squad for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
William Troost-Ekong leads a squad featuring Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Nantes winger Moses Simon, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming fixtures.
The squad also includes top performers such as Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, with coach Eguavoen confident that his team can clinch the necessary points.
The squad sees the return of Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar, who is set to make his first appearance since his previous call-up, while home-based defender Victor Collins earns his maiden call-up to the national team.
There’s also a long-awaited opportunity for Gabriel Osho, who missed the summer call-up due to injury but is now poised to make his competitive debut for Nigeria.
Nigeria’s midfield will be reinforced by Frank Onyeka of Augsburg and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, with support from Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi of New England Revolution.
At the back, there is strong defensive depth with players like Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will compete for the starting spot alongside Stanley Nwabali.
The Super Eagles will depart for Abidjan on 11th November, ahead of their 14th November clash with Benin at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny. After that, they will travel to Uyo for a decisive game against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on 18th November.
A point from the match against Benin will secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with only Rwanda having a mathematical chance to catch up in the final round of fixtures.
Here is the full squad list:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
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 (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
