Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, forwards Victor Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi are set to return to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda next month.
Ekong, who was named the Man of the Competition at this year’s AFCON, missed the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June due to injury. Similarly, Aina, Awoniyi, and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen were sidelined with injuries.
The 23-man squad includes three goalkeepers—such as AFCON 2023 standout Stanley Nwabali—seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Among the returning players is Bendel Insurance’s goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent since the 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo during the first matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign last November.
The Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7, before traveling to Kigali to take on Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10.
All players are expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday, September 2.
