Eguavoen names 23-man squad for Nations Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda

SUPER Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled his squad list for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda taking place later this month with Taiwo Awoniyi and Tanimu Benjamin being dropped.

On November 11, the Super Eagles are set to travel to Abidjan on to face the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, November 14. They will then return to Nigeria for their final qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday, November 18, at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

To prosecute both games, coach  Eguavoen has named a 23-man squad, featuring all the big names including captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Wildred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen. His list includes some surprise additions, with AJ Auxerre defender Gabriel Osho and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar making the cut.

Osho, who recently joined French side Auxerre, is set to make his debut for the Super Eagles, replacing Semi Ajayi who has been out with injury. Also, Umar’s inclusion also bolster Super Eagles’ attacking option with the return of Victor Osimhen in the forward line.

Currently on top of Group D, the Super Eagles need only a point against Benin to secure their African nations Cup spot. A draw would take them to 11 points, ahead of their match with Rwanda, their final-day opponents. With a dominant goal tally of seven scored and none conceded, Nigeria stands in a strong position.

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)