Less than 24 hours after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, announced the acquisition of the services of Bruno Labbadia as the new gaffer for the Super Eagles, the football body has named a strong 23-man squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against familiar foes, Squirrels of Benin Republic and the Amavubis of Rwanda.
Surprisingly, Victor Osimhen invitation by the NFF, has raised questions from fans and analysts. They are asking the rationale behind his invitation, despite his abysmal attitude against former Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George.
Osimhen had openly insulted, disgraced and humiliated the ex-international on Social Media. He alleged that the former Coach had spoken ill of him following the poor performance of the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers loss to Benin Republic and draw with Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The Striker had missed both matches due to injury. Exonerating himself, he lambasted George, leading to the call for his suspension and disciplinary actions against him by the Ibrahim Gusau led NFF.
Months after the outburst, the NFF is yet to sanction him, rather, it extended another another Call-up to him.
This has led to public outcry against the NFF.
Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi are back in the Super Eagles’ nest, for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
This year’s AFCON’s Man-of-the-competition, Ekong, was discountenanced for the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race in June as he was recovering from injury, while Aina, Awoniyi and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen were out injured altogether.
There are three goalkeepers, including AFCON 2023 star, Stanley Nwabali, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.
Bendel Insurance safe hands Amas Obasogie also returns, just as South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who has not been called since the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Matchday 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in November last year.
The Super Eagles go up against the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before flying to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.
All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September.
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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