Ndah, Osimhen, Awoniyi in; Musa, Awaziem out: Labbadia okays 23-man squad for Benin and Rwanda clash

New head coach Bruno Labbadia has confirmed a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.

For these fixtures, Labbadia has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah, former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, who missed out under Finidi George due to injuries sustained during the AFCON tournament, have been recalled to the squad.

AFCON 2023 hero Stanley Nwabali, alongside Udinese FC’s Maduka Okoye and Obasogie, will compete for the number one goalkeeper spot.

The players are expected to assemble in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September, in preparation for these crucial matches.

Here is the full squad list

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright 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 City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club 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)

This post was last modified on August 27, 2024 7:54 pm

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

View Comments

  • I wish the new Super Eagles coach Bruno Labaddia successful outing with the Eagles.
    I also pray he is given the free hands to operate without interference.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Placeholders? Saudi clubs’ Deja vu tricks with Boniface and Osimhen

Saudi Arabian clubs appear to be repeating a familiar pattern in their pursuit of Nigerian… Read More

35 minutes ago

Ajax vs Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen scores again, but toothless Lions lose record in Amsterdam

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was on target for Galatasaray, but his goal was not… Read More

7 hours ago

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

12 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

15 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

16 hours ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

17 hours ago