Nigeria’s interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has named a strong 23-man squad ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers double-header against Libya, MySportDab Reports.
Among the notable call-ups are in-form forwards Victor Boniface, Chidera Ejuke, and Ademola Lookman, who will be leading the Super Eagles’ charge for a ticket to the continental showpiece.
The Super Eagles will resume their AFCON qualification campaign later this month after kicking off in September with a 3-0 win over Benin in Uyo, followed by a goalless draw against Rwanda in Kigali.
This time, the Nigerian team is aiming to assert dominance in Group D by securing maximum points from both encounters with Libya.
A key highlight of the squad selection is the return of Chidera Ejuke, who has been recalled to the national fold after two years of absence.
The Sevilla forward has been in impressive form at his club and will be a valuable asset alongside his Super Eagles teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, who has been a consistent feature for the team.
Unfortunately, Nigeria will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined due to an injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray.
However, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, who has been in sensational form in Germany, is expected to fill the void left by Osimhen’s absence.
There were rumors that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo might be included in the squad, but Eguavoen has opted to stick with his regular defenders, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey.
They will be tasked with maintaining the team’s defensive solidity against a tricky Libyan side.
Super Eagles Squad Overview:
The squad includes a mix of familiar faces and exciting new talents across all positions. In goal, Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Maduka Okoye (Udinese), and Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema) will compete for the starting spot.
The defense will be marshaled by experienced heads like Troost-Ekong and Osayi-Samuel, while West Brom’s Semi Ajayi and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey provide additional depth.
In midfield, Nigeria will rely on the industrious Wilfred Ndidi, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi to control the tempo. Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf also provide options for Eguavoen, offering versatility in the engine room.
Nigeria’s attacking line-up is one to watch, with Ejuke, Lookman, and Chukwueze bringing pace and creativity. Boniface, Awoniyi, and Iheanacho offer goal-scoring threats, with Moses Simon also available as a wide option.
Full Super Eagles Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Tanimu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi
The Super Eagles camp will open next week, with players expected to arrive on Monday after their club commitments. The first leg against Libya will be played in Uyo on Friday, followed by the second leg in Benghazi at the Matyrs of Benina Stadium on October 15.
