Three-time champions Nigeria have picked a team of 25 players for their onslaught for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, with Head Coach Jose Peseiro settling for usual suspects in a roster that has three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards.
The 25-man squad, carefully curated with a blend of seasoned veterans and budding stars, is poised to make a mark on African football’s grandest stage.
Notable figures such as captain Ahmed Musa, returning from a World Cup qualifying hiatus, and the experienced goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili join the stalwarts William Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo in fortifying the team’s defensive lineup. The midfield sees the return of Wilfred Ndidi alongside the creative force of Alex Iwobi, while the attacking front is led by the formidable trio of Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Moses Simon.
Peseiro’s squad exudes depth and versatility across all positions, with players like Raphael Onyedika, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, and Samuel Chukwueze prepared to step into action as needed. The infusion of youthful vigor is evident in the defensive duo of Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman provide additional attacking prowess.
Embarking on their journey from Abu Dhabi with a comprehensive week-long training camp, the Super Eagles will then make their way to Abidjan for the tournament. The pursuit of glory commences on January 14th with a challenging encounter against Equatorial Guinea, followed by pivotal clashes with host Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.
The 25 ready to give their all, ready to do it again! #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/e5eCGyJyCs
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 29, 2023
Participating in their 20th AFCON, the Super Eagles boast an illustrious history with three victories: as hosts in 1980, in Tunisia in 1994, and in South Africa in 2013. Despite falling short in the 1984 final against Cameroon, this year’s talented squad, fueled by an unwavering hunger for success, aspires to rewrite history and clinch the coveted trophy once again.
FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonika, Greece); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)