Victor Osimhen missing as Eguavoen names Super Eagles squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled the 24-man Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

The list features several key players, including Captain William Troost-Ekong, in-form forward Ademola Lookman, and winger Moses Simon, as Nigeria prepares for two crucial matches.

Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are among the selected wing-backs, while goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye will be tasked with guarding the posts. The defensive unit is strengthened by the inclusion of Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, who both ply their trade in the English Premier League.

In midfield, the Super Eagles boast a formidable lineup, with Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi headlining the selection. Up front, Nigeria’s attack will be led by the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze, all of whom have been in fine form for their respective clubs.

As earlier reported by SPORTSRATION, the squad will be without reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who misses out due to injury, and South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah. In their absence, Bright Osayi-Samuel returns to bolster the defence, while in-form playmaker Chidera Ejuke makes a welcome comeback to the national team after a lengthy spell away.

Veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho is also included, along with midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Frank Onyeka, providing depth and creativity in the middle of the park.

The Super Eagles will first face Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 11th October, before traveling to Benghazi for the return leg at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on Tuesday, 15th October. All players are expected to report to camp in Uyo by Monday, 7th October, as they aim to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON.

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
• Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders:

• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
• Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
• Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, 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 (Augsburg FC, Germany)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
• Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
• Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

The Super Eagles are set for an exciting and competitive set of fixtures as they seek to solidify their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.