Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach has confirmed a 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header, with Nigeria facing Rwanda away in Kigali on June 6th before travelling to Cotonou to face Benin Republic on June 10th — two fixtures that carry significant weight in Nigeria’s bid to reach the continental showpiece in Morocco.
The headline story is the return of captain and talisman Victor Osimhen, who missed the Eagles’ last two qualifying matches in March due to a muscular injury sustained during club action in Turkey. The 26-year-old has since returned to full training with Galatasaray and was passed fit following a medical assessment conducted by both club and national team medical staff last week.
“We are delighted to have Victor back,” the Eagles’ head coach said at the squad announcement press conference in Lagos. “His importance to this team goes beyond goals. His presence lifts the entire group. But we have also seen in the last two games that this squad has depth and character even without him. That is a sign of genuine growth.”
Ademola Lookman retains his place in the attacking ranks following an outstanding run of form for Atalanta in Serie A, while the squad also sees the recall of right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who had been omitted from March’s squads due to an NFF disciplinary matter that has since been resolved. Alex Iwobi is included in what appears to be one of his final opportunities to cement his international legacy, now 30 and approaching the twilight of his Super Eagles career.
Young Eredivisie-based midfielder Chidera Ejuke, at 22, has earned his second consecutive call-up, building on a debut in March that drew encouraging reviews from coaches and analysts alike. His technical quality and energy in midfield are seen as the long-term blueprint for how the Eagles want to play.
Nigeria currently sit second in AFCON 2027 qualifying Group D, three points behind leaders Rwanda, having collected seven points from their first four matches. The June fixtures are therefore effectively must-win scenarios if the Eagles are to control their own destiny in the group’s final stages.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Remo Stars). Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), William Troost-Ekong (PAOK), Emmanuel Otoho (Moreirense). Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Chidera Ejuke (Ajax), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan). Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Moses Simon (Nantes), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest), Paul Onuachu (Southampton), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice).
