AFCON: Osimhen returns for Super Eagles, as Gabriel Osho gets another call-up

Ahead of the AFCON qualifier, Nigeria coach, Augustine Eguavoen has named 23 players to the squad.

The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic and Rwanda, as they need only one point from the two matches to qualify for next year’s AFCON.

Reigning African Best footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen has been called back to the squad.The Galatasaray striker missed out of last international duty due to injury.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Osho, who plied his trade at Auxerre, was also called into the squad.

The English-born defender will hope to play his first competitive game for his fatherland, after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury. Osho replaces the injured Semi Ajayi at the backline.

Home-based defender Victor Collins will join the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain.

Captain, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon also lead the squad for the encounters.

The Super Eagles will play Benin on Thursday, 14th November at Abidjan, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against Rwanda on Monday, 18th November.

Super Eagles full squad;

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema, Ethiopia)

Defenders:

Gabriel Osho (Auxerre, France), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal), Victor Collins (Nasarawa United, Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)

Forwards:

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, Spain), Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain), Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)