Debate over NFF's 23-man list for AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin, Rwanda

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The 23-man list released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the forthcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying games against Benin Republic and South Africa has been generating debate.

The list for the forthcoming games between Benin in Uyo on September 7 and Rwanda on September 10 features the return of William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

The 23-man list also includes the return of Bendel Insurance safe hands Amas Obasogie, Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah, and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

THE LIST OF THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, 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 (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England).

Nigerians have continued to react to the list, with many people saying it is appropriate for the match.