December 29, (THEWILL) – Nigeria has announced a talented 25-man roster for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, as they look to capture a fourth continental crown. Manager Jose Peseiro opted for a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents in his team selection.
Surprisingly, long-time captain Ahmed Musa returns to the fold after missing recent World Cup qualifiers for what may be the benefit of his invaluable experience. He joins the likes of defender Kenneth Omeruo and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, as tournament veterans. Sensational striker Victor Osimhen and winger Samuel Chukwueze, are also key inclusions.
In goal, Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabili will battle for the starting spot behind a rugged back line marshalled by William Troost-Ekong. The midfield features English Premier League talents like Alex Iwobi. At the same time, the forward line boasts an intimidating collection of goal-scorers, including Victor Boniface who has taken the Bundesliga by storm.
The squad will hold a training camp in Abu Dhabi from January 2-9 before travelling to Ivory Coast. Their Group A campaign begins on January 14, against Equatorial Guinea. The three-time former champions will also face the hosts and Guinea-Bissau.
As always, Nigeria is among the pre-tournament favourites. They last won the trophy in February 2013, when the Super Eagles beat Burkina Faso by a lone goal in South Africa. This talented and experienced group will hope to replicate that feat in 2024. Only time will tell whether that will justify the inclusion of Musa, whose place could have gone to a home-based player.
Full squad
GOALKEEPERS:
Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC, Nigeria)
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)
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
