AFCON 2023: Peseiro names final 25-man squad as Nigeria aim for fourth AFCON glory
Three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, Nigeria are hungry for a fourth title as they head to AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire with a 25-man squad announced by coach Jose Peseiro. The roster boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and young stars, eager to conquer African football’s biggest stage.
Familiar faces like captain Ahmed Musa, back after a World Cup qualifying hiatus, and veteran goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili join regulars like William Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo in the backline. Wilfred Ndidi returns to midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, while Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Moses Simon lead the charge upfront.
Peseiro’s squad boasts depth and versatility across all positions, with players like Raphael Onyedika, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, and Samuel Chukwueze ready to step up when needed. The young defender duo of Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi add fresh energy to the defense, while Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman offer additional firepower in attack.
The journey begins in Abu Dhabi with a week-long training camp before heading to Abidjan for the tournament. Nigeria’s quest for glory kicks off on January 14th against Equatorial Guinea, followed by crucial clashes with host Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau.
The 25 ready to give their all, ready to do it again! #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/e5eCGyJyCs
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 29, 2023
The Super Eagles, participating in their 20th AFCON, have tasted victory on three occasions: as hosts in 1980, in Tunisia 1994, and in South Africa 2013. They even reached the final in 1984, falling just short against Cameroon. This year, with a talented squad and a hunger for success, they aim to rewrite history and bring home the coveted trophy once again.ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
- Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonika, Greece); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
- Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
