National Teams
AfconQ 2025: Osimhen left out as Augustine Eguavoen releases roster for Libya duel
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has named a 23-player squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Libya.
The two-legged tie will see the Super Eagles face the North African side in critical encounters, with the first leg scheduled for October 11, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, while the return leg will take place on October 15 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium near Benghazi.
The squad features key players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, and FC Nantes winger Moses Simon.
However, Nigeria’s current Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, will miss the qualifiers due to injury.
Other notable inclusions are midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, as well as forwards Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze.
The roster also includes defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bruno Onyemaechi.
In a press release from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department, it was revealed that the invited players are expected to assemble in Uyo on Monday, October 7, 2024, ahead of the crucial matchups.
The Super Eagles currently sit atop their qualification group with four points after two matches.
Super Eagles players for Libya clash
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); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, 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 (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
