From our Sports desk, Benin
Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Aguavoen has named a 23-man squad for Eagles' Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
The Super Eagles will lock horns against the Libya national football team at the God'swill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on October 11, before traveling to
Libya for the reverse fixture, four days later.
Libya, who is made up of mainly locally-based players, opened training camp Monday last week under new coach Nasser Al-Hadahri.
The North Africans are at the bottom of Group D with a point after two rounds of matches, while the Super Eagles top the standings on four points.
Super Eagles Star striker, Victor Osimhen is not included due to injury.
Many familiar faces such as the captain of the team, William Troost -Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi among others, made the list.
Augistine Eguavoen in training with the Super Eagles
The Full List
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)
Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, England)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Attackers :
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England).
On FIFA 2026 World Cup
• Says Nigerians must remain positive
Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has made it clear that Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup could hinge on a solid defensive approach and mental strength.
Despite the team’s struggles in the qualifiers so far, Eguavoen remains optimistic that Nigeria can turn things around by focusing on winning every remaining match.
Currently sitting fifth in Group C with three points from four games, the Super Eagles are yet to secure a victory in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
With Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic tied at the top with seven points each, Nigeria faces a huge battle to climb the standings.
However, Eguavoen believes that with a disciplined mindset and a strong defence, Nigeria can still punch their ticket to the World Cup.
Eguavoen has stressed that the Super Eagles must fight very hard for every point if they hope to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. His plan is simple: treat every game as a must-win, no matter the opposition.
“We have to approach every game like a cup final, and we have a big chance once we keep winning these remaining games, even if it were by 1-0,” Eguavoen told Brila FM.
According to the coach, it is not just about playing well but about being mentally tough enough to grind out results.
“It has to be with positive thinking (for Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup),” he added.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria will resume 2026 World Cup qualifying against Rwanda in March 2025, a game that is now vital for their World Cup aspirations.
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