Victor Boniface, Chidera Ejuke, and Ademola Lookman headline a star-studded squad called up by Augustine Eguavoen as Nigeria prepares for its crucial double-header against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The matches, set for October 11 and 15, are vital for Nigeria’s bid to secure a spot in the upcoming tournament.
Super Eagles kicked off their qualification campaign on a strong note in September, claiming a convincing 3-0 victory over Benin in Uyo before settling for a goalless draw against Rwanda in Kigali. Now, the team aims to solidify its position in Group D with two wins against Libya.
Eguavoen has named a 23-man squad that features both seasoned veterans and fresh faces. Notably, Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke makes his return to the national team for the first time since 2022, following impressive performances in Spain. He will join club teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, who remains a regular fixture in the squad.
Unfortunately, star striker Victor Osimhen will miss the matches due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray. His absence opens the door for in-form Boniface to step up as a key offensive player alongside Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest.
Defensively, Eguavoen has retained familiar names such as Captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey, ensuring a robust backline. There have been discussions about Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo being called up, but the established defenders have kept their places.
The first leg of the double-header will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on October 11, followed by the return match at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi on October 15. Both games are critical as Nigeria aims to secure its ticket to the 2025 AFCON.
Players are expected to report to camp in Uyo by October 7 to kick off preparations for these vital fixtures.
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
Semi 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)
