The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released a robust squad list on Tuesday night, August 27, for the Super Eagles' upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. This will mark the debut of the team's new head coach, Bruno Labbadia, the Italian-German tactician.
The squad sees the return of several key players, including team captain William Troost-Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, all of whom have recently recovered from injuries.
Troost-Ekong, who earned the title of Man of the Competition at the most recent AFCON, had missed the third and fourth matchdays of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June due to an injury. Similarly, Aina, Awoniyi, and Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, were also absent due to injuries but are now fit and ready to return to action.
The squad is well-balanced, consisting of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, ensuring depth and versatility across all positions.
Notably, star goalkeeper from AFCON 2023, Stanley Nwabali, has been included in the squad, along with Bendel Insurance's Amas Obasogie. South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah also makes a comeback, as does Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been out since the Super Eagles' 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo during the World Cup qualifiers last November.
The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7. They will then travel to Kigali to face Rwanda's Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10. All players are expected to report to the team's camp in Uyo by Monday, September 2.
The squad announcement has generated excitement among Nigerian fans, as the team looks to secure a place in the next AFCON tournament under the guidance of their new head coach, Bruno Labbadia.
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