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2025 AFCONQ: Osho, Collins get maiden call ups as Sadiq return for Benin and Rwanda
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Augustine Eguavoen, the head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, has announced a 23-player squad for the final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.
The squad includes a notable debut for home-based defender Victor Collins from Nasarawa United, the only locally-based player called up for these crucial games against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Collins’ inclusion highlights a continued effort to give opportunities to local talent. Other notable selections include Gabriel Osho, a France-based defender, who will hope to earn his first competitive cap for Nigeria after missing his initial call-up in the summer due to injury.
Key players who return to the squad after injury include Victor Osimhen, the reigning Africa Player of the Year, and captain William Ekong. Also making the cut are Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who add experience and depth to the team.
The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on November 14.
A draw will be enough for Nigeria to secure a spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, as they currently top their group with 10 points from four games. The final qualifying match will be against Rwanda four days later.
Super Eagles player to Face Benin Republic and Rwanda
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); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
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); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)