-name squad to face Benin, Rwanda
November 06, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda this month.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen has assembled a formidable team, blending experience and youth, as Nigeria seeks to secure six points and confirm its spot in the tournament.
The squad includes Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC), and Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC).
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest), and Victor Collins (Nasarawa United).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC), and Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC).
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Moses Simon (FC Nantes), and Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad).
The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic on November 14th at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, before hosting Rwanda on November 18th at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria currently tops Group D with 10 points, followed by Rwanda (5 points), Benin Republic (4 points), and Libya (3 points).
With a point against Benin Republic, Nigeria will secure its spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Eguavoen expressed confidence in his team, stating, “We have a great opportunity to seal our spot in the tournament, and I believe this squad has the quality and depth to deliver. We’ll take it one game at a time, starting with Benin Republic.”
