Super Eagles squad: Who are the new names?

The Super Eagles are gearing up for their crucial matches against Benin and Rwanda later this month as they aim to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following a disappointing return fixture against Libya, the team is eager to bounce back on the international stage. Head coach Austin Eguavoen has announced a 23-man squad marked by an exciting blend of debutants and returning players as they seek to enhance their standing in Group D.

The Super Eagles will take on Benin at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on October 14, and then face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Among the notable inclusions in the squad are Gabriel Osho and Victor Collins, who will be hitting camp for the first time. Osho, who plays for Auxerre in France, is returning after a previous call-up that was cut short due to injury. Now a regular at his new club, he aims to make his Super Eagles debut.

Victor Collins, on the other hand, is a standout talent from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and has also been called up to the Super Eagles’ B team. Known for his towering presence as a centre-back and his left-footed style—a rarity in the modern game—Collins is keen to leverage this opportunity to solidify his place in future selections.

The squad also sees the return of Umar Sadiq from Real Sociedad, taking the spot of Taiwo Awoniyi, who is unavailable due to injury. Sadiq’s selection has raised eyebrows given his limited game time this season, with many initially speculating that rising star Tolu Arokodare or Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers might be preferred. Nonetheless, this call-up gives Sadiq a chance to showcase his abilities.