The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled a 23-man squad to represent the Super Eagles in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
The squad features two highly-rated stars from the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Super Eagles are eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing showing in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they drew against South Africa and suffered a defeat to Benin. Under the guidance of new head coach Bruno Labbadia, the team is determined to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco.
Nwabali, who has established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, brings a wealth of experience to the squad. Ndah, on the other hand, has earned his place through impressive performances in the PSL and has previously represented the Super Eagles under Gernot Rohr.
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).
Upcoming Fixtures
Nigeria’s first qualifier will be against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 7th. They will then travel to Kigali to face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on September 10th.