Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, with familiar faces making up the bulk of the roster.
The team aims to secure a fourth continental title, building on their previous victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Peseiro has opted for a mix of experience and youth, with a roster featuring three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards.
Captain Ahmed Musa returns after missing the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series, while South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili joins Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo in the team.
Kenneth Omeruo, the only other player besides Musa from Nigeria’s 2013-winning squad, leads the defense alongside William Troost-Ekong. Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi complete the backline.
Wilfred Ndidi is back in the fold after missing the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. He will partner Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, and Frank Onyeka in midfield.
Musa, Nigeria’s record World Cup goalscorer, joins Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman in attack.
All 25 players will depart from their respective bases on January 2nd to fly into Abu Dhabi for a one-week training camp. They will then return to Lagos before flying into Abidjan on January 10th.
The Super Eagles will begin their Group A campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14th, followed by clashes with host nation Côte d’Ivoire (January 18th) and Guinea-Bissau (January 22nd).
Credit: Sola Babarinsa
