Reigning Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, is the biggest omission from the Super Eagles 23-man squad released by interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen on Saturday.
Ahead of this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers double-header against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya, Eguavoen has left out Galatasaray forward Osimhen, who picked up a hamstring injury last week, as well as South Africa-based Olisa Ndah, who plies his trade for Orlando Pirates.
Eguavoen, however, has recalled Fenerhance defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who returns to the team after missing last month’s qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Also making a return to the senior team set up after long absense is Sevilla star Chidera Ejiole
The Super Eagles squad contains regulars like captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta forward and Ballon d’or nominee Ademola Lookman, France-based Moses Simon, Bayer Leverkusen marksman Victor Boniface, Fulham duo of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika, and West Bromwich Albion’s Semi Ajayi.
Others include goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoya, full backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi, and forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze.
23 for Libya #AFCON2025Q #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/mAgjcLokNh
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) October 5, 2024
The Super Eagles are currently top of Group D with four points from their opening two matches, while Libya are bottom with just a point.
The three-time African champions will host the Mediterranean Knights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11, before flying to North Africa to take on the Mediterranean Knights at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on Tuesday, October 15.
The 23 players and staff are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, October 7.
FULL SUPER EAGLES 23-MAN LIST
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)
