The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a strong 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin Republic, MySportDab Reports.
Nigeria, currently topping Group D with 10 points from four matches, need only a single draw from their remaining fixtures to secure a place in the tournament set to be hosted in Morocco.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen’s squad is brimming with talent, led by star forward Victor Osimhen, who has been in fine form for Galatasaray. Supporting him in attack will be Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla) and prolific Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface further bolster Nigeria’s formidable frontline, giving Eguavoen multiple options for his attacking setup.
In midfield, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi will be pivotal alongside Wilfred Ndidi, who continues to impress at Leicester City. Frank Onyeka (Augsburg) and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution) add depth and versatility in the midfield department, while Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could provide fresh creativity.
Defensively, experienced center-back William Troost-Ekong leads a backline that includes the versatile Calvin Bassey (Fulham) and Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest). Rising talents Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista) and Gabriel Osho (Auxerre) are also called up to provide solidity and support on the flanks.
Notably, Victor Collins, a standout performer in the Nigeria Professional Football League for Nasarawa United, has received his first senior team call-up, bringing additional defensive options.
In the goalkeeping department, the competition for a starting spot will be fierce. Stanley Nwabali, recently nominated for the CAF Awards, is joined by Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Ethiopia-based Anas Obasogie, who have both shown consistent performances in recent months.
The Super Eagles will first face Benin Republic, now coached by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, on November 14th at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny.
They will then conclude their qualifiers at home in Uyo, taking on Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on November 18th.
Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON finals has been marked by strong performances and a runner-up finish in the last tournament, held in Côte d’Ivoire.
The team’s impressive run to the final saw them fall narrowly to the host nation, the Elephants. With their eyes on another shot at continental glory, the Super Eagles will look to finish their qualification campaign in style, confident in the depth and talent of Eguavoen’s selected squad.
Nigeria’s Full Squad for AFCON Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Anas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema, Ethiopia)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista, Portugal), Gabriel Osho (Auxerre, France), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, 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, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, Spain), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Moses Simon (Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)
