Nigeria Football Squad – AFCON 2024 Squad List and Expectations
In the tumultuous realm of African football, the rise and fall of the Nigerian football squad have been nothing short of dramatic. From the euphoria of clinching the 2013 African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) title in South Africa to the unexpected setback of missing out on the subsequent two tournaments, the Super Eagles are now gearing up for a triumphant return at AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria AFCON 2024 Squad and Latest Odds
Anticipation is high as Nigeria, armed with an array of foreign-based talents, aspires to outclass its African counterparts. The forthcoming AFCON 2024 promises a spectacle, and top betting sites are poised to provide competitive odds on the Nigerian football team. Frequent updates on the Nigeria AFCON squad odds from our preferred online bookmaker will enhance the accuracy of predictions.
While the official Nigeria football squad for AFCON 2024 is yet to be unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Head Coach Jose Peseiro, we present our expected 23-man Super Eagles shortlist for the main event in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria AFCON fixtures 2024, Date, Time and Venue
AFCON 2024 fixtures time table: AFCON 2023 fixtures Schedule
Goalkeepers
- Francis Uzoho (Omonoia FC)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
- Olorunleke Ojo (Eyimba F.C)
Defenders
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest)
- Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK)
- William Troost-Ekong (POAK FC)
- Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK)
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC)
Midfielders
- Frank Onyeka (Bentford FC)
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
- Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Forwards
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)
- Victor Oshimen (SSC Napoli)
- Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen)
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)
- Moses Simon (FC Nantes)
- Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad)
- Terem Moffi (OGC Nice)
Nigeria football players Recent investigations reveal that the Nigeria football squad holds the title of the most expensive national team in Africa. With a surplus of quality, particularly in the attack, and players scattered across the top European leagues, the Super Eagles are poised for glory.
Victor Oshimen: The Prolific Striker At 24, Victor Oshimen stands as one of football’s most prolific strikers, ranking 8th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or. His stellar performance in Napoli’s 2022/2023 season, contributing to their first Scudetto in 33 years, earned him the Italian capocannoniere award with 26 goals. Having scored 10 goals in six AFCON qualification games, Oshimen eyes the African Best Player of the Year award.
If successful, he will be the first Nigerian player since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 to claim the prestigious title. Oshimen’s form is set to inject vitality into the Super Eagles at AFCON 2024.
Victor Boniface: The Rising Star Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, a 6’ 2 striker, has made waves with an impressive start to his career, winning the Rookie of the Month award four times. With a debut hat-trick in a UEFA Champions League qualification game, Boniface’s prolific form earned him a spot in the Nigeria squad. His partnership with Oshimen is a prospect Nigerian fans eagerly await.
Kelechi Iheanacho: The Senior Man A member of the Nigeria U17 (Golden Eaglets) 2013 World Cup-winning team, Kelechi Iheanacho has made his mark at Leicester City. Known for his ball control, composure, and passing ability, the 27-year-old forward provides experience and vision to create goal-scoring chances for Oshimen and Boniface.
Strengths and Opportunities of the Squad
Strong Attack The Super Eagles boast a formidable attacking force with talents like Oshimen, Boniface, Lookman, and Moffi. This, combined with motivation and support from the midfield, positions Nigeria as an unstoppable force.
Solid Midfield Led by the experienced Wilfred Ndidi, Nigeria’s midfield possesses athleticism, physicality, versatility, and technical ability. With support from players like Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, the midfield is a linchpin in intercepting opposition attacks and linking defense with the potent attack.
Positive Attitude and Mental Strength Beyond individual quality, the Nigeria football squad prides itself on mental strength and team spirit. A positive attitude has proven crucial in past editions, as demonstrated in the AFCON 2019 round of 16, where Nigeria triumphed over Cameroon in a five-goal thriller.
Jose Paseiro: The Strategic Head Coach Leading the charge is Jose Paseiro, the Super Eagles head coach and former Portuguese striker. With experience coaching national teams, including Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, the 62-year-old tactician took the reins from Augustine Eguavoen.
Prominent Players Missing from the Squad
Taiwo Awoniyi A notable absence is Taiwo Awoniyi, ruled out due to a groin injury sustained while playing for Nottingham Forest. His absence will be felt, especially considering his pivotal role in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifications.
Ahmed Musa The Super Eagles skipper, Ahmed Musa, faces exclusion from AFCON 2024 due to his current form and perceived tired legs. Fans believe it might mark the end of an era for the 31-year-old, known for his iconic goals in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
As Nigeria gears up for AFCON 2024, the blend of experience, talent, and a positive mindset positions the Super Eagles as formidable contenders for the continental crown. The stage is set for a football spectacle in Ivory Coast, and Nigeria aims to reclaim its place among Africa’s football elite.
