AFCON qualifiers are here, and Labbadia has revealed the Super Eagles squad to face Benin Republic and Rwanda. Discover who made the cut.
Next month’s qualifiers present a crucial opportunity for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they ready themselves to confront Benin Republic and Rwanda in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
This week’s announcement of the squad reveals a rich pool of skill, highlighted by accomplished veterans and aspiring stars poised to make their mark.
Notable in the squad lineup are the key players who have made a comeback from injury, notably team captain William Troost-Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The team’s chances in these crucial fixtures receive a notable surge with their comeback.
Due to an injury, Troost-Ekong was unable to play during the June World Cup qualifiers after being named Man of the Competition at AFCON 2023.
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Aina, Awoniyi, and the Africa Player of the Year recipient Victor Osimhen were not present during recent games due to their individual recovery from injuries.
On Tuesday evening, the roster was unveiled featuring a diverse composition of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards. This lineup highlights the team’s depth and adaptability.
Bringing his experience and skill to the squad is Stanley Nwabali, who was notably selected as AFCON 2023’s star goalkeeper.
A notable addition to the 23-man roster is Amas Obasogie, who hails from Bendel Insurance and is the solitary representative of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This selection underscores how much our domestic league has been contributing to the country’s national team.
Returning to the team are defender Olisa Ndah and forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who last appeared for the Super Eagles in a November 2020 draw with Lesotho. Both players are based in South Africa.
As the Super Eagles strive for triumph, their familiarity and experience with the team will prove to be essential.
On September 7th, the Super Eagles will commence their journey at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium as they go up against Benin Republic’s Cheetahs.
Afterward, they will travel to Kigali and confront the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on 10 September.
Not only do these matches play a crucial role in the team’s qualification, but they also provide an occasion for solidifying their strategies and teamwork under fresh management.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has intensified the thrill by placing Bruno Labbadia, a proficient German strategist in charge as the latest Head Coach of Super Eagles. With his debut games at hand, Labbadia is genuinely determined to steer the team towards triumph in these pivotal qualifiers and leave an indelible mark.
With the players gathering in Uyo on September 2nd, fans all over the country are eagerly waiting for the Super Eagles to confirm their spot at AFCON 2025 and maintain their status as one of Africa’s premier football teams.
List of All Squad Members
The goalkeepers selected are Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United in South Africa, Maduka Okoye of Udinese FC in Italy and Amas Obasogie from Bendel Insurance FC.
Defenders: Al-Kholood FC’s William Troost-Ekong; Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce SK in Turkey; Orlando Pirates’ Olisa Ndah; Boavista FC’s Bruno Onyemaechi and West Bromwich Albion’s Oluwasemilogo Ajayi. Fulham FC’s Calvin Bassey and Nottingham Forest’s Olaoluwa Aina complete the list.
Midfielders roster comprising 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) and Alex Iwobi.
The list of forwards includes Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan in Italy, Victor Osimhen from SSC Napoli in Italy, Kelechi Iheanacho from Sevilla FC in Spain, Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, Moses Simon from FC Nantes in France, Ademola Lookman from Atalanta FC also based out of Italy and Taiwo Awoniyi who plays for Nottingham Forest located England.
The Super Eagles possess a powerful roster that positions them to confront any obstacles in their path and pursue victory further in African soccer.
