Nigeria has officially announced a robust 23-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
After finishing as runners-up in the last tournament hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the Super Eagles are determined to go one step further in Morocco. To achieve this, they must first navigate a challenging Group D, which includes Benin Republic, Rwanda, and Libya.
Headlining the squad is Napoli’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen. Osimhen, who is reportedly on the verge of leaving the Serie A giants, will be a key figure in Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the tournament. Alongside him, William Troost-Ekong, the 2023 AFCON Most Valuable Player, returns to the squad after recovering from an injury that had sidelined him briefly.
Several other notable players are making their comeback, including Olisa Ndah of Orlando Pirates, Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest, and Amas Obasogie, the goalkeeper from Bendel Insurance. These players join a list of regulars such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi, and Ademola Lookman, all of whom are expected to bring their experience and skill to the pitch.
23 on the roster for Benin & Rwanda Afcon Qualifiers. Time to soar @NGSuperEagles #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/MzmAYKBzRS
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) August 27, 2024
The upcoming matches are also significant as they will be the first test for Nigeria’s new head coach, Bruno Labbadia. Labbadia, a seasoned manager with experience in European football, will be keen to make a strong impression as he leads the three-time African champions into a new era.
The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic, coached by Gernot Rohr, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7. This match will be followed by an away game against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday, September 10. Both fixtures are crucial as Nigeria looks to secure a strong start in their qualification campaign.
As Nigeria gears up for these crucial matches, there is a palpable sense of anticipation among fans and football analysts alike. The squad selected is a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent, all of whom will need to be at their best to secure Nigeria’s place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda will not only be a test of the players’ abilities but also an opportunity for Coach Labbadia to demonstrate his tactical acumen and leadership. With the backing of a passionate fanbase and the determination to improve on their last AFCON performance, the Super Eagles are poised to make a strong statement in their upcoming qualifiers.
