Gabriel Osho, Sadiq Umar in, Awoniyi, Tanimu out as Augustine Eguavoen unveils squad for AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled his squad list for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, Soccernet.ng reports.

The list includes some surprise additions, with AJ Auxerre defender Gabriel Osho and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar making the cut, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Tanimu Benjamin miss out on selection.

Eguavoen’s squad balances players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong with Alhassan Yusuf and others who have been making waves in their respective clubs.

Osho, who recently joined French side AJ Auxerre, is set to make his debut for the Super Eagles, replacing Semi Ajayi who has been out due to injury.

Also, Umar’s inclusion also bolster Super Eagles’ attacking option with the return of Victor Osimhen in the forward line.

The Super Eagles will face Benin in their first match, followed by a decisive encounter against Rwanda. With high expectations riding on this lineup, Nigeria will be looking to showcase their strength and secure crucial points on their road to AFCON 2025.

Here’s the full squad list:

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)

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.