Nigeria have named their 23-man squad for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The squad features a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents, with the majority plying their trade in European leagues.
It sees the return of several key players, including William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, who were absent from recent fixtures due to injuries.
Ekong, named Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, rejoins the squad after missing the World Cup qualifiers in June. Reigning African Player of the Year, Osimhen, is also back in contention.
The Super Eagles will face Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on 7 September before travelling to Kigali to play Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on 10 September.
Manager Bruno Labadia will be hoping this blend of players can secure positive results in the upcoming qualifiers.
Players are expected to report to camp in Uyo on 2 September.
The full squad is as follows:
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)
