Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),has unveiled the country’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Rwanda and Benin Republic.
The communications department of the NFF in a statement on Wednesday,revealed this shortly after German tactician Bruno Labbadia was named the team’s head coach.
The Super Eagles are back in the lineup for the pivotal games, with notable players like Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, and strikers Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The team comprises three goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali, an AFCON 2023 star, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards.
Amas Obasogie, a Bendel Insurance safe hands, is also back along with South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah and Taiwo Awoniyi, who hasn’t been selected since the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Matchday 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in November of last year.
On Saturday, September 7, the Super Eagles play the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
On Tuesday, September 10, they travel to Kigali to play the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium. On Monday, September 2nd, all players are required to report to Uyo.
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).
