The new head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Finidi George, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
The squad features 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ standout performers like Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
However, the squad will be without captain Ahmed Musa, as well as the team’s vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, who played a crucial role for the team at the AFCON tournament.
Meanwhile, there has also been a return of Maduka Okoye following his outstanding performance with Udinese FC, as well as German Bundesliga Rookie of The Year, Victor Boniface, who will be earning his first call up this year following an injury stint.
Defenders like Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf, as well as forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi are not also left out.
For the first time, Remo Stars’ defender Sadiq Ismael has been called up, alongside Paul Onuachu who has been firing on all cylinders for Turkish side, Trabzonspor.
The Super Eagles will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7, with kickoff at 8 PM. They will then travel to Abidjan to take on Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
I love that fact that Okoye is back and we have 2 new defenders who were not in the mix at AFCON 2023 with one of them an home-based player.
It’s great to have Ndidi back and also Victor Boniface. I tell you, the Bafana Bafana are in big trouble! They will wish they never had to meet the Super Eagles at this time that Ademola is demolishing Europe with his missile of goals. I can’t wait for June 7 to come!
Is Ola Aina on injury? My worry is just the defence. Who is to play the role of Trust Ekong. Alhassan is prone to commiting foul especially in box 18
I like the names of the players selected to represent Nigeria in the 2 assignments and hope they get the tactics right. I am sure those who are missing will be back in at the right time when they’re fit. We should give the team our maximum support to get them firing on all fronts. Good luck to Nigeria.
where Aina? is he Injured? What happened to Zaidu Sunusi? Where is Kenneth Umerua? my is the defense line and who take the leadership role in the defense line?