In a thrilling announcement ahead of the AFCON 2025 double-header qualifiers, Nigeria’s Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has spotlighted Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface as a pivotal attacker in the Super Eagles’ challenge against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights. This crucial clash is slated for the next two weeks.
Joining Boniface up front are fan-favorite Ademola Lookman, speedy winger Moses Simon, and Kelechi Iheanacho, all of whom are in exceptional form. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed the 23-man squad yesterday, with Team Captain William Troost-Ekong serving as the cornerstone of the defense. He will be flanked by Olaoluwa Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey, ensuring robust protection for first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Maduka Okoye will serve as the reserve goalkeeper, accompanied by former Bendel Insurance player Amas Obasogie.
The midfield boasts experienced players like Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze complete the attacking lineup for these pivotal matches against Libya.
It’s worth noting that reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen is sidelined due to injury, and South Africa-based center-back Olisa Ndah will also miss out. However, defender Bright Osayi-Samuel makes a return after being absent for the previous fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda, with playmaker Chidera Ejuke also rejoining the squad following a lengthy absence.
Coach Eguavoen has also called up midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Frank Onyeka.
The Super Eagles are set to square off against the Mediterranean Knights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11, before heading to Benghazi for the second leg at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on Tuesday, October 15. According to the NFF, all players are expected to report to Uyo by Monday, October 7.
**Invited Players:**
**Goalkeepers:**
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
– Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)
**Defenders:**
– William 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)
