Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Bruno Labbadia has gotten to work immediately without wasting time and has announced his first squad selection, inviting 23 players, including star striker Victor Osimhen, to represent Nigeria in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. As the Super Eagles prepare to take to the field once again, the team is gearing up for crucial 2025 AFCON qualification matches, scheduled to take place later this month.
This marks a significant milestone for Labbadia, who will be leading the team for the first time, and for the players, who will be vying for a spot in the prestigious continental tournament. The squad’s composition and Labbadia’s tactical approach will be closely watched as Nigeria seeks to secure victories against Benin Republic and Rwanda and take a step closer to qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.
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The Super Eagles will be under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Bruno Labbadia, who was recently introduced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This marks a new era for the team, as Labbadia takes the reins and prepares to lead the squad into crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches.
With his wealth of experience and tactical expertise, Labbadia is expected to bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the team, as they aim to secure victories and make a strong push for qualification. The NFF’s decision to appoint Labbadia has generated excitement and anticipation among fans, who are eager to see the team’s performance under his leadership.
In a significant move for his inaugural matches as head coach, Bruno Labbadia has opted to bring back several experienced players to the Super Eagles fold. Notably, the team has been bolstered by the return of captain William Ekong, versatile wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, and dynamic attackers Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi.
These recalls are strategically timed ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Rwanda and Benin Republic scheduled for next month. By reuniting these key players, Labbadia aims to inject a mix of leadership, skill, and firepower into the team, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s bid for success in the upcoming qualifiers. This calculated move is expected to bring a sense of stability and continuity to the squad, as the Super Eagles seek to make a strong impression under their new coach.
During the crucial Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in June, the Super Eagles were severely depleted due to injuries to several key players. Notably, William Ekong, the standout performer at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and recipient of the tournament’s best player award, was forced to sit out the entire period, denying Nigeria his leadership and defensive prowess.
Additionally, the team missed the services of Olaoluwa Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and the reigning Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who were all sidelined due to various injuries. This quartet’s absence significantly impacted the team’s chances, as their collective experience, skill, and goal-scoring threat were sorely missed during a critical phase of the qualifying competition. Their return to fitness and the squad is a welcome boost for new coach Bruno Labbadia as he prepares for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
The Super Eagles squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers comprises a balanced mix of 23 players, including three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven strikers. Notably, the goalkeeping trio features Stanley Nwabali, a standout performer at AFCON 2023. The team also welcomes back Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent since the 1-1 draw against Lesotho in November last year, marking his return to the squad after a lengthy hiatus. Additionally, Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie has been recalled to the team.
All players are expected to report to Uyo on Monday, September 2nd, ahead of the crucial qualifiers. The Super Eagles will face the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs on Saturday, September 7th, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before traveling to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10th. This marks a critical period for the team as they seek to secure victories and advance in the AFCON qualification campaign.
See 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)
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