JoeThe Super Eagles have received a significant boost as Captain William Ekong, wing-back Ola Aina, forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi return to the squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda next month.
Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, missed the previous rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June due to injury. Meanwhile, Aina, Awoniyi, and reigning African Player of the Year Osimhen were also sidelined with injuries.
The 23-man squad for the qualifiers includes three goalkeepers, led by AFCON 2023 standout Stanley Nwabali, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards.
Notably, Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie makes his return to the squad, alongside South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah. Awoniyi, who last featured in the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in November during the World Cup qualifiers, is also back in the lineup.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7, before traveling to Kigali for a clash with Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10. All players are expected to report to the camp in Uyo by Monday, September 2.
Full Squad List:
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)
