Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled his 23-man squad for next weekend’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia, the capital.

Notable among the invited players are captain Ahmed Musa, goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, defender William Ekong, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Moses Simon.

Leading the attacks is SSC Napoli’s in-form Victor James Osimhen, whose 31 goals across all competitions this season have helped the Italian powerhouses reach the UEFA Champions League semi finals and win their first Italian Serie A after 33 years.

Home-based goal stoppers, Victor Sochima and Olorunleke Ojo also made the list.

Rivers United defender Ebube Duru and Bendel Insurance FC midfielder Divine Nwachukwu earned their call-up after their brilliant performances for their respective clubs.

Forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi were not left out.

i-News reported that Taiwo Awoniyi, who was in Ilorin, Kwara State on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari where he received royal blessings.

His goals were vital to the survival of Nottingham Forest as the English team stayed in the Premier League for another football season.

With nine points from four games, the Super Eagles lead their qualification group followed by the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau, who are in second place with seven points.

The Leone Stars are third with five points. With just one point, Sao Tome and Principe sit last in the standings and face the Super Eagles later in September.

Full list

Goalkeepers: Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel); Victor Sochima (Rivers United); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey).

Midfileders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Divine Nwachukwu (Bendel Insurance); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards: Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey)