Chidera Ejuke has been named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Libya, his call-up to the Super Eagles after two years.
The talented forward Ejuke, who currently plies his trade with Sevilla, was last seen in national colours during the 2022 AFCON campaign, but his fine form in La Liga has earned him a recall by Coach Augustine Eguavoen.
The 26-year-old winger joins the likes of Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and in-form striker Victor Boniface in the squad set to battle the Mediterranean Knights, with the first set for Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, October 11, while the second leg holds four days later in Benghazi.
The Super Eagles, who will be without their talisman Victor Osimhen due to injury, will look to build on their solid start in Group D, securing a 3-0 win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda last month to stay top of the pile with four points.
All the players are expected to report to Uyo on Monday, October 7, a day after their opponents’ arrival in the country on a private jet.
Osimhen’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the return of Ejuke, along with the inclusion of the high-flying Boniface, provides Nigeria with a variety of attacking options.
Ejuke, known for his dribbling prowess, has been in impressive form this season, ranking among the top purposeful dribblers in Europe’s top five leagues. His creativity and pace could prove vital as the Super Eagles aim to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
Also listed are regulars like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Taiwo Awoniyi, while Bright Osayi-Samuel makes his return after missing the previous qualifiers.
Super Eagles squad
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).