The Super Eagles of Nigeria have unveiled a strong squad for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in a list published by the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday night, August 27.
It will be the first game for the new coach, Bruno Labbadia, an Italian-German tactician.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi are among the key players making their return to the team after recovering from injuries.
Troost-Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, missed Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June due to injury. Similarly, Aina, Awoniyi, and Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, were also sidelined with injuries but are now back in action.
The squad features a balanced mix of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards.
AFCON 2023 star goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali and Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie have been included in the roster. South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah also returns to the fold, along with Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent since the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo during the World Cup qualifiers last November.
Nigeria will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September. Following that, they will travel to Kigali to play against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September. All players are expected to report to the camp in Uyo by Monday, 2nd September.