In anticipation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, interim Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has released his 23-man squad. Among the most notable returns is that of Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker, alongside Umar Sadiq, as the Super Eagles prepare for matches against Benin and Rwanda. With these fixtures, Nigeria aims to secure their qualification for AFCON 2025, set to take place in Morocco.
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Nigeria’s Strong Standing in Group D
The Super Eagles lead Group D with an impressive 10 points, placing them in prime position to qualify. After winning both fixtures against Libya, Nigeria needs just one more point from their remaining matches to ensure qualification for the tournament. Eguavoen’s squad selection underscores the team’s ambition to close out the qualifiers with strength, utilizing experienced players across all areas of the field.
Key Players to Watch: Osimhen and Sadiq Return
Victor Osimhen’s return adds significant firepower to the squad. As one of Nigeria’s most prolific strikers, his presence is a game-changer, especially given his remarkable performances in recent club competitions. Alongside Osimhen, Umar Sadiq is also back in action, bringing additional depth to the attacking lineup. Both players’ inclusion signals Eguavoen’s intent to put forward a formidable offensive front against Benin and Rwanda.
Full Squad Roster
Here’s a breakdown of the 23 players selected by Coach Eguavoen:
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie.
- Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemeachi, Gabriel Osho, Victor Collins.
- Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
- Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq.
Fixtures and Importance of These Matches
The Super Eagles are set to play against Benin on November 14, followed by a home game against Rwanda on November 18 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Both games hold immense importance, not only for securing qualification but also for building momentum ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Victory or a draw in either of these matches would cement Nigeria’s place in AFCON 2025, while also providing Eguavoen and his coaching staff with valuable insights into player performances and team cohesion.
Focus on Consistency and Depth
Coach Eguavoen’s roster highlights a balanced mix of youth and experience. The midfield lineup, led by Premier League standout Alex Iwobi and anchored by defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, is expected to control the game’s pace and provide stability to the Super Eagles’ formation. The defensive unit, led by William Troost-Ekong, is tasked with maintaining resilience, especially against teams like Benin that are known for swift counter-attacks.
In addition to the tactical elements, the selection showcases a level of depth that Nigeria’s squad has been striving for, especially with the inclusion of players like Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface who bring versatility and creativity to the forward line.
Nigerian Fans’ Anticipation
As Nigeria prepares to cheer on their national team, fan excitement is reaching new heights. Osimhen’s return, in particular, has fueled a renewed sense of optimism among supporters, with many anticipating stellar performances from the squad. For the Super Eagles, these upcoming matches represent not only a pathway to qualification but also an opportunity to showcase their potential as contenders in the upcoming tournament.
For more on the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifiers, see the full report on Vanguard News.
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