Nigeria, a three-time champion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has revealed its 25-man squad for the upcoming tournament in its quest for a fourth title. Head Coach Jose Peseiro’s roster features a mix of experienced players and rising talents across various positions.
Captain Ahmed Musa, who missed the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, returns to lead the squad. The goalkeeping duties will be shared among Stanley Nwabili, Francis Uzoho, and Olorunleke Ojo.
The defensive lineup includes familiar names like Kenneth Omeruo and William Ekong, with Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi completing the backline.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi returns after missing the World Cup qualifiers, joining Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, and Frank Onyeka to anchor the team. The forward line features a potent combination of experience and youth, with Musa, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman.
The squad is set to embark on a one-week training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE, starting on January 2, 2024, before returning to Lagos on January 9. The team will then travel to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on January 10, gearing up for their opening Group A match against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024. The Super Eagles will also face host nation Ivory Coast on January 18 and Guinea Bissau on January 22.
Nigeria, seeking its fourth continental crown, has a rich history in AFCON, winning titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013. As they prepare for the upcoming tournament, the squad aims to showcase their prowess and add another chapter to the country’s football success.
Full Squad:
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)
