The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The squad, which was unveiled on August 27, 2024, includes a mix of experienced players and some fresh faces, as the Super Eagles aim to secure their spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
The Super Eagles, led by coach José Peseiro, will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7.
They will then travel to Kigali to take on the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10.
These matches are crucial as the team looks to book its place in the 2025 AFCON, which will be hosted by Morocco.
The NFF’s list includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, providing a balanced mix of options for the upcoming games.
The squad is highlighted by the inclusion of some of Nigeria’s biggest football stars, such as Victor Osimhen, who has been in excellent form for Napoli in Italy, and Samuel Chukwueze, who recently made a high-profile move to AC Milan.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
The goalkeeping department is anchored by Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United in South Africa, who was one of the standout performers during the 2023 AFCON. He is joined by Maduka Okoye of Udinese FC in Italy and Amas Obasogie of Bendel Insurance FC, who makes a return to the squad.
Defence
In defence, William Troost-Ekong, now playing for Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia, leads the line alongside other seasoned campaigners like Olaoluwa Aina of Nottingham Forest and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC in England. Olisa Ndah, who plays for Orlando Pirates in South Africa, also makes his return to the national team after a brief absence.
Midfielders
The midfield is bolstered by the presence of Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and Alex Iwobi, who recently joined Fulham FC from Everton. These two bring a wealth of experience and stability to the midfield. They are joined by Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge in Belgium and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who now plies his trade with Lazio in Italy.
Strikers
The forward line is stacked with firepower, featuring Victor Osimhen, who has been Nigeria’s top scorer in recent times. Kelechi Iheanacho, who recently transferred to Sevilla FC in Spain, and Samuel Chukwueze will provide additional attacking options. Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been in fine form for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, also returns to the squad, much to the delight of Nigerian football fans.
The Super Eagles’ journey to AFCON 2025 has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After a mixed performance in the 2023 AFCON, where Nigeria reached the quarterfinals, the team has been under pressure to perform better in the upcoming tournament. The qualifiers have seen Nigeria draw 1-1 with Lesotho in Uyo in the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, a result that disappointed many fans.
However, with the current squad, there is renewed hope that the team can secure a place in the AFCON 2025 tournament and possibly go all the way to lift the trophy. The match against Benin Republic will be a crucial test of the team’s readiness and cohesion under coach José Peseiro, who has been working to instill a more attacking style of play.
