Nigeria Look to Rebound in AFCON Qualifiers with Squad Refresh Ahead of Sudan Clashes
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are under pressure to revive their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign as they prepare for back-to-back matches against Sudan. After a disappointing start—losing at home to Congo and being held to a goalless draw by South Africa—coach Stephen Keshi has named his squad for the crucial third and fourth round fixtures.
The reigning African champions have retained the core of the team from their first two outings but have introduced a few fresh faces in a bid to spark a turnaround. Midfielders Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), Anyora Ugonna (Haugesund, Norway), and striker Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F, China) are among the notable new additions. Their inclusion reflects Keshi’s intent to inject new energy into a side in need of attacking inspiration and midfield control.
There is also good news with the return of midfielder Hope Akpan (Reading, England), winger Sunday Emmanuel, and playmaker Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine), who has recovered from injury. These additions offer a blend of physicality and flair—qualities Keshi hopes will prove decisive against a Sudanese side eager to upset the continental heavyweights.
The Super Eagles will open the doubleheader in Khartoum on October 11 before returning home for the reverse fixture in Abuja on October 15. With just one point from two matches, Nigeria sit in a precarious position in Group A, and anything less than six points from these games could seriously endanger their chances of defending the title they won in 2013.
Keshi will once again rely on the experience of captain Vincent Enyeama, midfield anchor John Mikel Obi, and the attacking duo of Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa. The squad features a strong mix of Europe-based stars and domestic league talent, with the aim of re-establishing Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.
Nigeria Squad for AFCON Qualifiers vs Sudan:
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama (Lille, France)
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)
Defenders:
Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France)
Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod, Israel)
Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland)
Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey)
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England)
Midfielders:
John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England)
Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio, Italy)
Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel)
Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)
Hope Akpan (Reading, England)
Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor, Turkey)
Anyora Ugonna (Haugesund, Norway)
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Victor Moses (Stoke City, England)
Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F, China)
Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine)
With a refreshed squad and a clear objective, Nigeria will look to reassert their dominance and get their qualification campaign firmly back on track.
