Moffi, Tella, Onuachu out; Musa in: Coach Peseiro names Nigeria’s 25-man squad for 2023 AFCON

The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has unveiled Nigeria’s squad of 25 players as they gear up for their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Côte d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.

The roster comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards, featuring a blend of experienced faces and promising talents.

Earlier, the Portuguese tactician named a 40-man provision squad list for the tourney but made a rigorous decision to pick his best legs for the event.

From the provisional list, Terem Moffi, who was said to have picked a knock, was snubbed, as were Nathan Tella, Paul Onuachu, and others.

Captain Ahmed Musa makes a comeback into the squad after being sidelined during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

Notable inclusions also see the return of Wilfred Ndidi and the presence of former Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo, who was part of Nigeria’s 2013 squad.

The defensive line is led by Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong, supported by a mix of skilled defenders such as Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, and others playing across various European leagues.

Ndidi is expected to play a pivotal role in midfield alongside Alex Iwobi and Joe Aribo, ensuring a dynamic playmaking approach.

Musa leads the line in the attacking front alongside Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and other prolific forwards.

The 25 ready to give their all, ready to do it again! #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/e5eCGyJyCs

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 29, 2023

The team is set to depart for a one-week training camp in Abu Dhabi, followed by their arrival in Abidjan, where they will face Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match on January 14th. Clashes against Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau will follow this.

Nigeria, three-time champions of the tournament, holds a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, having claimed titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and hopes to scoop the trophy for the fourth time when the tournament kicks off in January.

Here is the full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili ; Francis Uzoho; Olorunleke Ojo

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina ; Chidozie Awaziem ; Bright Osayi-Samuel ; William Troost-Ekong ; Bruno Onyemaechi ; Kenneth Omeruo ; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi ; Calvin Bassey ; Zaidu Sanusi

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi ; Raphael Onyedika ; Joe Ayodele-Aribo ; Frank Onyeka ; Alex Iwobi

Forwards: Ahmed Musa ; Victor Osimhen; Kelechi Iheanacho ; Sadiq Umar; Moses Simon ; Ademola Lookman ; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Boniface