The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, announced his final 25-man squad on Friday that will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
The squad features a blend of experienced veterans and young talents as Nigeria aims to capture its 4th AFCON title. Team captain Ahmed Musa and vice captain William Troost-Ekong will provide leadership, having led the Super Eagles to a third place finish in 2019.
Peseiro’s squad also includes Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who was the top scorer for Nigeria during World Cup qualifying. Emerging stars such as Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze give Nigeria an injection of youthful talent.
The squad squad however features a single home-based player – goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo of Enyimba FC. The 28-year-old shot-stopper emerged as one of the top talents in the Nigerian league over the past year.
Below is the Nigerian squad for the 2023 AFCON:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonika, Greece); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).