- Victor Osimhen has been named in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda
- Taiwo Awoniyi and William Troost-Ekong return after missing the start of the World Cup qualifiers
- The squad includes experienced players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced their squad for September’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen included among the 23 players selected.
These upcoming fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September 7 and 10, respectively, will serve as the first challenge for new head coach Bruno Labbadia, who recently took over the reins of the national team.
Also returning to the squad are Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi and William Troost-Ekong, who recently transferred to Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.
Both players missed the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injuries, with Awoniyi having last featured for the Super Eagles in November. He also missed the last African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Nigeria finished as runners-up.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially released the 23-man list, which includes key players like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, both of whom last appeared for Nigeria in the AFCON final earlier this year.
Osimhen’s absence from the squad had previously sparked a public disagreement with former coach Finidi George, but his return is expected to bolster the Super Eagles' attack. The squad also sees the return of Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olisa Ndah, adding much-needed depth and experience.
Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Calvin Bassey are among the other notable names in the squad. However, the continued absence of captain Ahmed Musa has left many questioning his future with the national team, as his exclusion suggests ongoing uncertainty.
The Super Eagles will play their first match against the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 7, followed by a fixture against Rwanda in Kigali three days later. The players are expected to assemble in Uyo by September 2 to begin preparations.
Bruno Labbadia’s squad consists of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Noteworthy selections include Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah, former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, wing-back Ola Aina, and striker Victor Osimhen have all recovered from injuries and are set to play pivotal roles in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
TheRadar has compiled below the full squad list.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC).
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, 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 (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England).
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England).
Super Eagles head coach saga nears end as Swedish coach prepares to take over
Previously, TheRadar reported that after an extensive month-long search, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is on the brink of naming a new head coach for the Super Eagles.
According to reports, an agreement has been reached, and the official unveiling is expected by the end of next week. Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement, it appears the NFF has finally identified the right candidate. Sources suggest that Swedish coach Janne Andersson is set to take over the Super Eagles.
