The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a strong 23-man squad for the Super Eagles' upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Newly appointed head coach Bruno Labbadia has recalled Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, who last featured in the AFCON final in Cote d'Ivoire earlier this year.
Osimhen's return marks a significant reconciliation following a public feud with former coach Finidi George. Other notable returnees include Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olisa Ndah. The squad also features Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Calvin Bassey.
The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 7 before traveling to Kigali to play Rwanda on September 10. All players are expected to report to camp in Uyo on September 2.
Full Squad:
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)