Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled the 25-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Captain Ahmed Musa secured his spot, and the only home-based player is Enyimba’s Olorunleke Ojo.
Peseiro’s decision follows the release of a 40-man provisional squad earlier, with Victor Osimhen leading the team. The list includes the notable presence of Francis Uzoho and introduces new faces like Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili.
The defensive lineup features veterans like William Troost-Ekong, making a return after a hiatus, and Kenneth Omeruo, a member of the 2013 winning team. The midfield includes familiar names such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika.
Victor Osimhen, who recently won the Africa Best Player award, is set to lead Nigeria’s formidable attack alongside options like Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Sadiq Umar.
Below is the Nigerian squad for the 2023 AFCON:
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).
The AFCON tournament is scheduled to run from January 13 to February 11, 2024.