Nigeria’s Super Eagles, led by captain William Troost-Ekong and featuring forward Victor Osimhen, are set to face Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing matches of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying campaign this month. Head coach Augustine Eguavoen has assembled a strong 23-man squad, blending seasoned international stars with promising new talent, as the team eyes six points to secure their place in the tournament.
Among those called up are key attackers such as Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, winger Moses Simon, and Nigeria’s prolific forward Victor Osimhen, whose recent performances have reinforced his standing as one of Africa’s premier players.
The squad also includes versatile options in both defense and midfield, allowing for tactical flexibility as Nigeria aims to maintain its lead in Group D.
Defensive and goalkeeping selections
Eguavoen has opted for a reliable mix of defensive stalwarts, including Fenerbahçe’s Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, and the experienced Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest.
William Ekong, who now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Kholood FC, will again lead the backline.
Making his debut in the squad is Victor Collins from Nasarawa United, adding a home-based perspective to the international lineup.
The goalkeeping unit will be led by Maduka Okoye of Udinese and Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United, South Africa, joined by Amas Obasogie from Ethiopia’s Fasil Kenema SC.
Eguavoen’s selection of experienced and geographically diverse keepers highlights Nigeria’s commitment to a well-rounded defensive setup, essential for maintaining their undefeated record in qualifying thus far.
Midfield powerhouse
Nigeria’s midfield is packed with talent, featuring Premier League regulars like Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, both known for their ability to transition play and support both defensive and attacking phases.
Augsburg’s Frank Onyeka, who brings Bundesliga experience, and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are also included to add depth and creativity in the center of the park.
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi from New England Revolution in the United States and Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge round out a robust midfield lineup.
Attackers ready to secure points
In attack, Eguavoen’s squad boasts a variety of options.
Joining Osimhen are players like Kelechi Iheanacho, who currently plays for Sevilla, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, whose dynamic style could be crucial against defensive setups.
AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze and FC Nantes’ Moses Simon provide pace and width on the wings, creating a formidable frontline that has already tallied seven goals in qualifying, thanks to the CAF’s award of three goals in the unplayed match against Libya.
Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar also returns to the national squad, adding depth and a distinct physical presence upfront.
Path to AFCON Qualification
The Super Eagles will first fly to Abidjan on 11 November to take on the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs at Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny on 14 November.
A single point in this match would be enough to confirm Nigeria’s qualification for AFCON 2025, as it would place them out of reach of all other teams in Group D, including Rwanda.
Following the clash with Benin, Nigeria will return home to Uyo to face Rwanda’s Amavubi on 18 November at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where they hope to finish the campaign with maximum points.
With a seven-goal tally and no goals conceded, Nigeria stands at the top of the group with confidence.
Rwanda, sitting behind with a deficit, will have the challenging task of surpassing Nigeria’s unbeaten record and goal advantage to threaten their qualification status.
Nigeria’s full 23-man squad
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 (Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
- Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Victor Collins (Nasarawa United, Nigeria)
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)
As Nigeria’s Super Eagles gear up for these pivotal matches, they carry the hopes of fans eager to see the team secure its place in AFCON 2025, a step towards reclaiming continental football glory.
