The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially unveiled a 23-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against the Benin Republic and Rwanda. 

The squad, set to compete in crucial fixtures, features three goalkeepers, including the standout performer from AFCON 2023, Stanley Nwabali. Joining him are Maduka Okoye and Bendel Insurance’s Amas Obasogie. Defensive reinforcements include seven defenders, among them South African-based Olisa Ndah and experienced William Troost-Ekong, expected to shore up the backline.

In the midfield, Nigeria boasts six skilled players, while the attack is well-represented with seven forwards, including the return of Taiwo Awoniyi, who last played during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Lesotho.

The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7. Following this, they will travel to Kigali to face the Amavubi on Tuesday, September 10. All squad members are expected to report to training in Uyo on Monday, September 2.

Squad Overview:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, 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 (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

With a balanced mix of experience and youth, the Super Eagles will be looking to secure vital points in their quest for AFCON glory.