Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled the Super Eagles squad for the crucial home-and-away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. The 24-man squad includes a blend of experience and exciting young talent, as Nigeria seeks to secure its spot in the tournament.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong leads the group, while high-flying forward Ademola Lookman and in-form winger Moses Simon have also been called up. Wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi make the list, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, alongside Maduka Okoye, will vie for the number one jersey.
Defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, along with midfield stalwarts Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi, bolster the Super Eagles’ options in the middle of the park. In attack, Nigeria will look to the firepower of Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze to deliver goals in both fixtures.
Notably absent from the squad is reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who misses out due to injury, and South Africa-based centre-back Olisa Ndah. However, the return of versatile defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and the inclusion of playmaker Chidera Ejuke, who has been in impressive form, will boost Nigeria’s chances. Veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho is also included, along with midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Frank Onyeka.
The Super Eagles will first welcome Libya to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 11th October, before traveling to Benghazi for the reverse fixture at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on Tuesday, 15th October. All selected players are expected to report to the team’s camp in Uyo by Monday, 7th October.
Full Squad:
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)
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, 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 (Augsburg FC, Germany)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
