New Eagles manager Bruno Labbadia announced 23-man squad for World Cup qualifiers

NEWLY-appointed Super Eagles manager Bruno Labbadia has hit the ground running naming a 23-man squad for Nigeria's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda taking place next month.

On Saturday September 7, the Eagles face the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and then fly to Kigali three days later to lock horns with the Bees of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on September 10. Both are must-win games for Nigeria to stand any chance of still qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Yesterday, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced the appointment of German-born Mr Labbadia as the new Eagles head coach, saying his appointment took immediate effect. His main mandate is to qualify the team for the 2026 World Cup and he has started work already naming a squad that includes the usual suspects.

Returning to the squad after recent absences are William Ekong, Ola Aina, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi. All four players missed the last two games due to injury and it is hoped that their return will make the Eagles a much more formidable side.

Full squad

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)