Why Victor Osimhen was excluded from Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers squad

Here is why Victor Osimhen was dropped from Nigeria’s squad for the October 2024 AFCON 2025 qualifiers for the international break.

Following the official announcement and confirmation of Nigeria’s squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers for October 2024, the reason behind the exclusion of Victor Osimhen was finally revealed by the interim manager of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s head coach, Augustine Eguavoen has announced his squad ahead of the fixtures coming up and according to Goal.com, Orlando Pirates’ stand-in captain, Olisa Ndah and Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen have both been left out of the squad, the reason being that they are both injured.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, Nigeria will play host to Libya in Uyo. Four days later, the team will depart for Benghazi. With two victories, the Super Eagles would have a strong chance of making it to Morocco’s Afcon finals.

The Nigerian team has been revealed for their match against Libya in the AFCON 2025 qualifying tournament. The front will be spearheaded by Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, since vital striker Victor Osimhen is sidelined due to injury. Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze are a few other prominent forwards.

The club will rely on Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi in the midfield. Regulars like William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Calvin Bassey are on the defense. The goalkeeping unit includes Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali.

The first game is scheduled for October 11, 2024, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. On October 15, in Benghazi, the second leg will take place.