Finidi Unveils Super Eagles Squad for Crucial S’Africa, Benin Clash

George Finidi, in his debut as head coach of the Super Eagles, has revealed the 23-man squad set to tackle upcoming competitive matches against South Africa and Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the squad lineup in a statement released on Friday, maintaining a core of players who secured silver at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Key figures from the AFCON squad such as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Victor Boniface headline the roster, alongside Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

A notable returnee is goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, marking his comeback after a significant absence from the team since the AFCON’s second round in 2022. Okoye joins Stanley Nwabali and Ojo Olorunleke in the goalkeeping contingent.

Sadiq Ismael of Remo Stars FC earns his first call-up as the sole home-based outfield player in the lineup, signaling a blend of experience and fresh talent.

The Eagles are set to clash with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on June 7 before facing off against Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan three days later.

Here’s the full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)

Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)