Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen makes a triumphant return to the Super Eagles squad after recovering from an injury that sidelined him in last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Galatasaray star, fresh off a goal-scoring return in the Turkish Super Lig, headlines a formidable 23-man squad for Nigeria’s final two AFCON 2025 qualifying games against Benin and Rwanda.
The Super Eagles will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on November 14 at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny, followed by a home game against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on November 18. With Nigeria leading Group D with 10 points, they need just one more point to secure qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
Alongside Osimhen, the squad features standout talent including Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar, and forward Moses Simon. Osimhen’s return boosts Nigeria’s already potent attack, which also includes Fulham’s Alex Iwobi in midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika.
In defense, Semi Ajayi’s absence due to a high-grade muscle tear is notable, but Auxerre’s Gabriel Osho steps in, offering fresh potential after injury prevented him from joining the squad in March. Coach Augustine Eguavoen, determined to secure qualification, is likely to start a strong lineup in the opening game against Benin. Once qualification is clinched, expect Eguavoen to possibly rotate players, offering debuts to the likes of Osho in defense and giving goalkeeper Maduka Okoye another chance to impress.
With AFCON qualification within reach, Nigeria’s squad reflects a blend of established stars and emerging talent, all geared toward building chemistry ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2025.
