Nigeria Football 360

Much has been written and said regarding the make up of the expanded squad, yet to be trimmed down to the final 23. Missed opportunities for some players, return to the fold for others and of course the injury situation.

I looked at a set of 2025 data for the players called up, minutes played, clean sheets, number of saves, goals and assists and used that to see if one can determine who is likely to be dropped from the final list.

I’ll go according to departments: Goal keepers, Defence, midfield and attack.

Goalkeepers:

Of the five goalkeepers in the squad, one has not made a game day selection owing to injury and a reported legal issue, whilst the other has stats not easy to come by. Maduka Okoye is said to be back in training, but has not featured between the stick this year, whilst the info is hard to find for the Tanzanian league. With this, I would proffer that the other three: Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye both having also captained their club sides in 2025 and Kayode Bankole likely to get the nod.

Defence:

10 players in the list are defenders, all ten are currently active and the decision making is purely based on stats, level of league played as well as fitness and performance.

I would expect regulars like Captain William Troost-Ekong (returning from injury), Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina , Bruno Onyemeachi and Bright Osayi-Samuels to return. I would also expect Gabriel Osho to make a return and Igoh Ogbu to get his maiden senior call up.

Midfield:

This is a department with several injury concerns with Raphael Onyedika recently returned to action, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru with return imminent. Regulars Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka very likely to retain their spots. I also expect Raphael Onyedika to make the cut and two new players Uche Christanthus and Anthony Dennis to get their first callup. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Joe Aribo are also in with a chance, however, the final six will be hard to predict.

Attack:

The traditional strength of the Super Eagles. African Player of the Year 2023 and 2024, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are iron clad odds on barring a surprise. Moses Simon also brings valuable experience to the forward lineup. The other players should be based on form, performance as well as the coaches’ preference. It is expected Victor Boniface will make the cut, as should Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers based on form. Finally a late surge by Sadiq Umar, who has a habit of forcing the hand with goals for his club very close to the time squad decisions are made is likely to make the final cut.