Nigeria Omits Victor Osimhen From Africa Cup Qualifiers Squad

Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for October’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Libya, with the exclusion of reigning Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

After a convincing 3-0 victory against Benin Republic and a 0-0 draw with Rwanda, the Super Eagles are now at the top of Group D with a total of four points.

Next up for Augustine Eguavoen’s men is a double-header against the Mediterranean Knights as they hope to secure early qualification for the biennial football showpiece slated for Morocco.

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the players that will be joining the camp, but Galatasaray forward Osimhen and Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah will be absent due to injuries.

Red-hot Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Sevilla duo of Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho cut, as well as Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

Also included are Nottingham Forest wing-back Ola Aina, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi.

Nigeria welcomed Libya to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11th, before traveling to Benghazi for the return match at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium four days later.

All the players are expected in the Akwa Ibom state capital at least by Monday, October 7th.

Nigeria Squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (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 (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, 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 (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)