As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign approaches its final rounds, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up to secure six vital points in upcoming matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Led by a lineup of talented stars, the team aims to clinch a spot in the tournament and continue their quest for continental glory.
Among the star-studded squad are key players like team captain William Ekong, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, dynamic winger Moses Simon, and the reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen. These players, along with 19 others, will be looking to make a strong impact in the decisive fixtures.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen has called upon a balanced mix of experienced internationals and rising talents. Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye will anchor the last line of defense, while defenders Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bruno Onyemaechi will strengthen the backline.
France-based Gabriel Osho is also set to join the squad, hoping to make his competitive debut for Nigeria after missing out on a previous call-up due to injury.
The midfield is bolstered by the inclusion of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, providing both creativity and defensive stability. Up front, forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze bring firepower, while Real Sociedad’s towering striker Sadiq Umar returns to the national side after a break, adding more depth to the attack. Additionally, home-based defender Victor Collins joins the squad for the first time, representing the domestic league.
The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on November 11, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, November 14, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Currently top of their Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points.
However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Match day 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi, who have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two match days.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United).
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).
