Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled a 23-man squad in preparation for Nigeria’s crucial doubleheader against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Nigeria Football Federation released the list, which includes several experienced players but notably misses out on key talents such as Victor Osimhen, the forward from Galatasaray, and Olisa Ndah, the Orlando Pirates defender. Both players have been sidelined due to injuries; Osimhen suffered a muscle strain during a Super Lig match on September 28, while Ndah has also been dealing with injury issues, leaving a gap in the Super Eagles’ lineup that will require strategic adjustments from Eguavoen.
Despite the absence of Osimhen and Ndah, the squad still boasts several seasoned players who are expected to contribute significantly. Key figures in the lineup include Captain William Troost-Ekong, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi. Additionally, Chidera Ejuke is making a return to the national team for the first time since 2022, following notable performances with Sevilla. The team’s depth is further enhanced by in-form players such as Ademola Lookman, currently at Atalanta, and Moses Simon of FC Nantes. Bright Osayi-Samuel is also back after missing previous qualifiers, adding to the attacking options available to the coaching staff.
The Super Eagles’ upcoming matches against Libya are critical for Nigeria’s ambitions to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament. They will first play at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on October 11, followed by the away leg in Benghazi at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on October 15. These matches are essential not only for qualification but also for maintaining the team’s momentum in the ongoing qualifiers, where they are eager to continue their unbeaten streak. Eguavoen’s tactical approach will be pivotal, particularly given the challenges posed by the absence of key players.
With Osimhen out of the picture, much of the offensive burden will likely shift to other forwards, notably Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest and Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen, both of whom are currently demonstrating commendable form for their clubs. Kelechi Iheanacho is another forward included in the roster, while the midfield will see the contributions of players like Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Augsburg’s Frank Onyeka. The inclusion of versatile players ensures that Eguavoen has a range of tactical options at his disposal to adapt to the evolving circumstances of the matches.
The Super Eagles players are expected to converge in Uyo by October 7 in order to kick off preparations for the two important fixtures. The collective aim will be to solidify team chemistry and refine their strategies, particularly with the outlined challenges surrounding key players’ injuries. Eguavoen’s management of the squad during this period will likely play a major role in how the team fares against Libya, as they attempt to fill the void left by the absence of Osimhen and Ndah.
Overall, while the Super Eagles face obstacles with injury setbacks, the depth and experience present in the squad offer a strong foundation for challenging Libya effectively. The most pressing question remains how well the team will adapt without their star players while maintaining a competitive edge. The forthcoming games are not only crucial for qualification but also serve as a platform for emerging talents to stake their claim in the national setup. With a robust preparation schedule ahead, the Super Eagles are poised to make a significant impact in their pursuit of success in the AFCON qualifiers.
