Nigeria have announced their latest squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, which are set to take place during the on-going international break, and it is already generating plenty of buzz.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face crucial opponents, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has had to make some bold decisions, including a few surprise inclusions and notable omissions.
In this article, we break down the key players who were left out and those who have been surprisingly picked to represent Nigeria in the coming games:
NIGERIA SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali
Maduka Okoye
Amas Obasogie
Defenders
William Ekong
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bruno Onyemaechi
Semi Ajayi
Calvin Bassey
Ola Aina
Benjamin Tanimu
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi
Raphael Onyedika
Alhassan Yusuf
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi
Forwards
Samuel Chukwueze
Chidera Ejuke
Ademola Lookman
Kelechi Iheanacho
Victor Boniface
Moses Simon
Taiwo Awoniyi
Notable absentees
Victor Osimhen and Orlando Pirates’ stand-in captain Olisa Ndah have both been left out of the squad due to their ongoing injury issues, meaning Eguavoen has had the difficult task of naming their respective replacements.
Eguavoen reportedly named Osimhen in his initial squad but had to make a late replacement before the list was announced due to his injury. His choice of replacement was Sevilla forward Iheanacho, a decision that has been criticised since the squad announcement.
Who makes the cut?
Iheanacho has failed to score in any of his first five appearances across all competitions for Sevilla, while other Super Eagles stars have hit the ground running at the beginning of the term. Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has scored seven goals in just 13 games this term, while Toluwalase Arokodare has netted six in his first 10 appearances for Genk, but both have been overlooked for selection.
Taiwo Awoniyi is another who has been surprisingly selected, with the striker similarly failing to hit the net in his first 10 appearances of the season for Nottingham Forest, with Awoniyi being relegated to the bench in favour of Chris Wood for his club. Luckily with Lookman and Boniface both in great form this season, there are plenty of goals in attack for the Super Eagles, in the absence of Osimhen.
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1 Comment
by Chinedu
Very good