2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Osimhen missing as Eguavoen invites Lookman, 22 others for Libya clash

Victor Osimhen is missing as Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen named in-form Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi and 21 other players for Nigeria’s doubleheader 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
The Eagles, who are currently on top of their group after securing four points from two games, will face Libya at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Friday, October 11, before hosting Nigeria in the return leg at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi four days later.
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Olaoluwa Aina maintained their regular appearance, while Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke is making a return to the team after being out for a long time.
He has been impressive for the La Liga side since he signed for them during the summer transfer window.
Also, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Taiwo Awoniyi make their way back into the team. Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and defender Olisah Ndah will miss the two matches due to injuries.
All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, October 7.
Full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
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