According to Reelradio.com.ng, new head coach Bruno Labbadia has confirmed a 23-man roster for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Rwanda and the Republic of Benin.
Nigeria’s schedule is set to begin on Saturday, September 7, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo against the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs. On Tuesday, September 10, the team will fly to Kigali to play the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium.
Labbadia has chosen three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven strikers for these matches. Taiwo Awoniyi, Amas Obasogie, the former goalie for Bendel Insurance, and Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah are notable additions.
Due to injuries received during the AFCON tournament, Ola Aina, Victor Osimhen, and William Troost-Ekong were not included in Finidi George’s roster. Nevertheless, they have been summoned back to the team.
Maduka Okoye and Obasogie of Udinese FC, as well as AFCON 2023 hero Stanley Nwabali, will fight for the top goalkeeper position.
On Monday, September 2, the players are anticipated to gather in Uyo in order to get ready for these important games.
Here is the full squad list
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, 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 (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
