Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced his squad for Nigeria’s crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, featuring a mix of familiar names and surprise additions. The selection has left fans buzzing, especially with new faces like Gabriel Osho, the AJ Auxerre defender set for his debut, and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar. However, the notable absences of Taiwo Awoniyi and Tanimu Benjamin have raised some eyebrows.

The squad brings back some seasoned players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong, while also spotlighting emerging talents such as Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi from New England Revolution. With Victor Osimhen leading the charge in attack, Eguavoen’s team aims to secure vital points on their journey to the AFCON 2025 tournament.

Osho steps in to fill the gap left by injured defender Semi Ajayi, and Sadiq Umar adds depth to the forward line alongside Osimhen, who returns to reinforce Nigeria’s attack. The Super Eagles will first face Benin before taking on Rwanda in what promises to be a decisive qualifier for Nigeria.

With high hopes riding on Eguavoen’s selections, Nigerian fans will be eager to see how the team performs in these crucial encounters.

Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)

Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)

Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)

Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)

Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)

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 (Augsburg FC, Germany)

Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards:

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)

Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)

Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)