Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Director Ademola Olajire announced the selection of a 25-player team aiming to secure a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The squad, curated by Head Coach Jose Peseiro, comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards.
In Olajire’s statement, he highlighted the return of Captain Ahmed Musa to the team and the inclusion of South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili alongside Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo. Olajire remarked, “Captain Ahmed Musa returns to the squad after he was left out of the starting games to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.” He also noted Kenneth Omeruo’s presence, stating, “2009 U17 World Cup star, Kenneth Omeruo, leads the defenceline.”
The team’s defensive lineup comprises players like William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi, with Omeruo as a pivotal figure. Olajire mentioned the return of Wilfred Ndidi, emphasising, “Wilfred Ndidi is also back after missing the World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.”
Regarding the squad’s offensive strength, the statement highlighted Musa, Nigeria’s record goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup finals, alongside Victor Osimhen and other forwards like Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman.
Olajire also outlined the team’s travel plans, stating, “All the 25 players will depart from their different bases on Tuesday to fly into Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, for a one-week training camp.” The training camp will conclude on Jan. 9, 2024, before the team’s departure to Abidjan for the tournament.
The Super Eagles will commence their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Jan. 14, 2024, in Group A, followed by matches against host nation Cote d’Ivoire on Jan. 18 and Guinea-Bissau on Jan. 22.
