Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has revealed Nigeria’s 25 players squad list for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place in Côte d’Ivoire next month.
With Nigeria bidding for a fourth AFCON title, the Portuguese tactician has presented a list ahead of the tournament, featuring a fusion of experienced faces and promising talents for the national assignment.
The squad comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards.
Earlier, head coach named a 40-man provision squad list for the contest but made a meticulous decision to select the best players for the tourney.
Captain Ahmed Musa makes a comeback into the squad after being sidelined during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.
Distinguished inclusions also see the return of Wilfred Ndidi and the presence of former Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo, who was part of Nigeria’s 2013 squad.
The defensive line is led by Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong, supported by a mix of skilled defenders such as Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, and others playing across various European leagues.
Ndidi is expected to play a pivotal role in midfield alongside Alex Iwobi and Joe Aribo, ensuring a dynamic playmaking approach.
Musa leads the line in the attacking front alongside Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and other prolific forwards.
Victor Osimhen, the reigning king of African football has been fantastic for country and club representations this year.
The Napoli hitman finished as the top scorer with ten goals during the Nations Cup qualifiers, and he will be hoping to replicate the scoring spree at the event, likewise Victor Boniface, another goal poacher who has been in excellent form with Bayer Leverkusen this term, having netted ten goals in 16 league appearances.
Interesting goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo of Enyimba is the only player from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on board for the continental championship.
‘ AFCON 2023 :
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus), Leke Ojo (Enyimba, Nigeria).
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (PAOK, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista, Portugal), Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista, Portugal), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa, Turkey).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Bruges, Belgium), Joe Aribo (Southampton, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England).
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Moses Simon (Nantes, France), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor, Turkey), Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain).
