AFCON qualifiers: Osimhen, Awoniyi return to Super Eagles squad

Napoli Striker, Victor Osimhen and Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi have been included in the Super Eagles squad for September’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The games are the first set of engagements for newly appointed German coach, Bruno Labbadia.

Also making a return to the team is defender, William Ekong who recently moved to Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.

While Osimhen and Ekong missed the opening days of the 2026 World Cup qualifying games due to injury, Awoniyi last featured for the Eagles last November, missing out on the last AFCON in Ivory Coast where the team finished runner-up.

Meanwhile, captain Ahmed Musa was again omitted bringing to bear the uncertainty of his future with the team.

Nigeria will face the Benin Republic on September 7, followed by a clash against Rwanda three days later.

Full list of the squad:

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).