Eguavoen calls up key players for Super Eagles’ final AFCON qualifiers against Benin, Rwanda (Full List)

Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced his squad for the decisive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The team features a blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers, as they aim to secure their spot in the 2024 AFCON tournament.

Key inclusions in the squad are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye. The defense will be strengthened by players such as Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bruno Onyemaechi, while France-based Gabriel Osho will be hoping to make his competitive debut for Nigeria after missing a previous call-up due to injury. Notably, home-based defender Victor Collins has received his first national team invitation.

In midfield, Eguavoen has called on Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi to provide energy and creativity. The attacking lineup is packed with firepower, featuring Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, and Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar, who returns to the fold.

The Super Eagles will depart for Abidjan on November 11 to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on November 14 at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny. The team will then travel to Uyo to host the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on November 18 for their final group match.

Currently leading Group D, the Super Eagles need just a point from the clash with Benin Republic to ensure qualification, having accumulated 10 points. With seven goals scored and none conceded, they hold a strong advantage over Rwanda, who have five points and a goal deficit.

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)