Victor Osimhen Misses Out Of Nigeria’s Squad Due To Injury Ahead Of Libya Clash.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially released the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches against Libya, but the absence of reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, has taken centre stage. The Super Eagles’ star striker, who has been sidelined due to injury, will not feature in the crucial home-and-away fixtures against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights this October.
Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has called up a strong squad, captained by William Troost-Ekong, alongside key players like Ademola Lookman and the in-form Moses Simon. Despite Osimhen’s absence, the squad remains bolstered with a wealth of attacking options, including Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Victor Boniface, all of whom are expected to shoulder the responsibility upfront.
Osimhen’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to the Super Eagles, as he has been pivotal to Nigeria’s attacking prowess in recent years. His absence is compounded by the injury of South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah. However, there is some positive news as right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel returns to the squad after missing the matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda last month. Another boost comes with the return of playmaker Chidera Ejuke, back in the fold after a lengthy time out.
Speaking about the squad’s composition, Eguavoen expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform in Osimhen’s absence. “We have a strong squad with quality players in every position. While it is unfortunate to miss Victor [Osimhen], we believe the others will step up and deliver,” Eguavoen stated.
Among those who will be expected to lead the line in Osimhen’s absence are Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi, who have both been in impressive form for their respective clubs, Sevilla and Nottingham Forest. The Super Eagles will also rely on midfield stalwarts such as Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi to control the pace of the game and create opportunities for the forwards.
In addition to the exciting attacking options, the defensive setup looks solid with William Ekong marshalling the backline. He will be joined by the likes of Olaoluwa Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey to protect goalkeepers Stanley Nwabili and Maduka Okoye, who are both vying for the starting spot.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to play their first match against Libya on Friday, 11th October at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before travelling to Benghazi for the second leg at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium on Tuesday, 15th October.
Despite the absence of their talisman, the Super Eagles will be expected to maintain their unbeaten start to the qualifying campaign and secure a place in the AFCON 2025 tournament. The entire squad is set to report to camp in Uyo by Monday, 7th October.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (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 (Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany).
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain).
With the squad ready for action, Nigerian fans will be hoping the team can deliver positive results, even in the absence of their star striker.
