The Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) has unveiled a 23-man squad for the Tremendous Eagles’ upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches in opposition to the Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The squad announcement marks the primary main task for Bruno Labbadia, the newly appointed head coach of the Tremendous Eagles.
The German tactician has recalled star striker Victor Osimhen and defender William Troost-Ekong, each of whom final featured for the nationwide staff within the delayed 2023 AFCON remaining earlier this yr in Cote d’Ivoire. Osimhen’s absence from the staff in latest months had led to a public rift with the previous coach, Finidi George, who has since departed the position. The return of Osimhen, a key participant for SSC Napoli, alerts a recent begin below Labbadia’s management.
Becoming a member of Osimhen and Ekong are different notable returnees resembling Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olisa Ndah from Orlando Pirates. The squad additionally includes a mix of skilled gamers and promising skills, together with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Calvin Bassey, who’re all set to take part within the forthcoming encounters.
The Tremendous Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on September 7. Following this, they’ll journey to Kigali to tackle Rwanda three days later. All chosen gamers are anticipated to report back to the staff’s camp in Uyo by September 2 to start preparations for these essential matches.
Hereunder is the Full Record of the Squad:
Goalkeepers:– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)– Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)– Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance coverage FC, Nigeria)
Defenders:– William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)– Vivid 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 Metropolis, England)– Raphael Onyedika (Membership 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)
The announcement of the squad got here on the heels of Bruno Labbadia’s appointment as head coach on Tuesday by the NFF.
