William Troost-Ekong leads six others to Uyo as Super Eagles camp opens for 2025 AFCON qualifiers
The Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo is buzzing with activity as seven players, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, have arrived early to prepare for Nigeria’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The team is set to face the Benin Republic and Rwanda in back-to-back matches as they aim to secure their spot in the continental showpiece.
Among the early arrivals are key figures like Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Olisa Ndah, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled the full squad for the qualifiers in an official list published on Tuesday night, August 27. The roster features a balanced mix of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards, reflecting the depth and versatility of the team.
Captain Troost-Ekong’s return is particularly significant, as he missed the previous World Cup qualifiers in June due to injury. The defender, who was named Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, is back to full fitness and ready to lead the Super Eagles on the pitch.
Similarly, Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, are also back in action after recovering from injuries that sidelined them in recent months.
READ MORE: William Troost-Ekong makes Al Kholood debut
In goal, AFCON 2023 standout Stanley Nwabali and Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie have been called up to join the squad, while South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah makes his return. Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent from the national team since the World Cup qualifiers last November, is also back in the fold, bringing additional firepower to the attack.
Nigeria will kick off their qualifiers against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September. Following that, the team will travel to Kigali for their second match 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, as the Super Eagles gear up for these crucial encounters.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders:
- William Troost-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 (Augsburg, Germany)
- 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)
