The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled a 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Okay.ng reports.
These matches will mark the first official engagement for Bruno Labbadia, the newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles.
The German tactician, who recently took charge of the team, has made notable inclusions in his squad selection.
Among the headline call-ups are star striker Victor Osimhen and seasoned defender William Troost-Ekong. Both players last represented Nigeria in the AFCON final held in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year.
Osimhen’s return comes after a well-publicized rift with former coach Finidi George, which had led to his absence from recent fixtures.
Also making their return to the national team are Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olisa Ndah, the latter currently playing for Orlando Pirates.
The squad also features consistent performers like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Calvin Bassey, who have been pivotal in their respective club campaigns.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Benin Republic on September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. This will be followed by a crucial away match against Rwanda in Kigali on September 10.
All players are expected to report to camp in Uyo by September 2 to begin preparations.
FULL SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders:
- William 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)
