Super Eagles Gear Up for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Ekong, Osimhen, and Aina Return to Squad
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to take on Benin Republic and Rwanda in next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches, with Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi making their much-anticipated return to the squad.
Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, missed the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June due to injury. Aina, Awoniyi, and reigning Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, were also sidelined by injuries but are now fully fit and ready to bolster the team’s chances.
Bruno Labbadi, Super Eagles Coach
The squad, which comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, is a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent. Notably, AFCON 2023 standout Stanley Nwabali returns between the posts, while Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie also makes a comeback. South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah and Taiwo Awoniyi, who hasn’t featured since the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo during the World Cup qualifiers last November, have also been called up.
The Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7th. Following this, they will travel to Kigali to meet the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10th.
All players are expected to report to camp in Uyo by Monday, September 2nd, as the team begins preparations for these crucial matches.
Super Eagles players training
Teamlist:
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)
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