The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has unveiled Nigeria's squad of 25 players as they gear up for their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Côte d'Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
The roster comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards, featuring a blend of experienced faces and promising talents.
Earlier, the Portuguese tactician named a 40-man provision squad list for the tourney but made a rigorous decision to pick his best legs for the event.
From the provisional list, Terem Moffi, who was said to have picked a knock, was snubbed, as were Nathan Tella, Paul Onuachu, and others.
Captain Ahmed Musa makes a comeback into the squad after being sidelined during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.
Notable inclusions also see the return of Wilfred Ndidi and the presence of former Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo, who was part of Nigeria's 2013 squad.
The defensive line is led by Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong, supported by a mix of skilled defenders such as Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, and others playing across various European leagues.
Ndidi is expected to play a pivotal role in midfield alongside Alex Iwobi and Joe Aribo, ensuring a dynamic playmaking approach.
Musa leads the line in the attacking front alongside Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and other prolific forwards.
The 25 ready to give their all, ready to do it again! #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/e5eCGyJyCs
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 29, 2023
The team is set to depart for a one-week training camp in Abu Dhabi, followed by their arrival in Abidjan, where they will face Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match on January 14th. Clashes against Equatorial Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau will follow this.
Nigeria, three-time champions of the tournament, holds a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, having claimed titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and hopes to scoop the trophy for the fourth time when the tournament kicks off in January.
Here is the full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili ; Francis Uzoho; Olorunleke Ojo
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina ; Chidozie Awaziem ; Bright Osayi-Samuel ; William Troost-Ekong ; Bruno Onyemaechi ; Kenneth Omeruo ; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi ; Calvin Bassey ; Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi ; Raphael Onyedika ; Joe Ayodele-Aribo ; Frank Onyeka ; Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Ahmed Musa ; Victor Osimhen; Kelechi Iheanacho ; Sadiq Umar; Moses Simon ; Ademola Lookman ; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Boniface
FOR DROPPING TOP-FORM PLAYERS (Like MOFFI, DESSERS, ADELEYE, Akpom, ) FOR INCONSISTENT ONE (Like Musa, Ssdiq, UZOHO, Aribo).. NOTHING FOR PASEIRO., NOTHING FOR NIGERIA
why no inform DESSERS and WHAT IS MUSA still want to achieve in super eagles plz? AND What is INJURY BENCH WARMER OF SADIQ IS DOING IN THAT SQUAD? well.. I gave them first round exit.. sentiment don enter the squad..
u are absolutely wrong. Sadiq has pik form in d last five to six games he played,also for Musa, experience and leadership is very important. Moffi sustain injury which might affect his fitness.
Sadiq has picked firm? OK we shall see. it’s just 2weels away
You are absolutely correct
Remove uzoho from the list please
I dont understand this Nigerian Coach. So Onuachu is not included ?
I am not going to watch the Nations Cup. Good luck to Nigeria
if you no watch the nation’s cup will nigeria win the cup or not many of una no get sense you don’t know if the player get injury for your own selfish interest make they use him
Good for you
Good luck supper Eagle. You must go and bring the cup home. The Almighty is on your side.
Allow glass house to influence your team selection and get disgraced. what are the old brigade still doing in the team?
#Desser, Orban Gift etc are missing????????
I smell the worst outing anyway.
Allow glass house to influence your team selection and get disgraced. what are the old brigade still doing in the team?
#Desser, Orban Gift etc are missing????????
I smell the worst outing anyway.
My brother ur absolutely right, I smell the worst outing also
Chai!
Who do us
good saying
He is confused coach. What is the basis for dropping the 15?. Was there a camping or training of friendly game. For all I care, some of the dropped players could be better than the retained ones based on current form. What football has Musa, Umeruo and others played in recent times. Musa could be there as a none playing captain to inspire the team rather than losing a players slot for him
were is Moses Simon….I can’t see him in there…hmmm am doubtful of this selection