Nigeria's 23-man squad unveiled for final AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe

• Ahead of the final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Sao Tome and Principe, head coach Jose Peseiro, through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed the 23-man roster for the game.
• Although Nigeria have already secured their place in the continental championship, the three-time African champions are determined to conclude their AFCON qualifiers on a triumphant note when they host Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo next week.

The squad announcement brings forth some notable inclusions and exclusions.

Among the fresh faces joining the Super Eagles for the first time are Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha from Gent, as well as Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen.

Torunarigha, who recently switched his international allegiance from Germany to Nigeria, is set to reinforce the team's defensive solidity. Orban, showcasing a knack for finding the back of the net in Belgium, rightfully earns his call-up for his consistently stellar performances.

Meanwhile, Boniface has made a blazing impact in the Bundesliga, notching four goals in his first three appearances.

On the other hand, familiar names like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, and Wilfred Ndidi maintain their positions in the squad, ensuring the team retains its core strength.

However, there's one conspicuous absence in the form of Captain Ahmed Musa, who did not make the cut this time.

The national team sees the return of Frank Uzoho, Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Jamilu Collins, the latter of whom endured a substantial period on the treatment table last season.

Nigeria, having already secured their spot in the tournament in Ivory Coast with an impressive 12 points from five games, remain in a commanding position.

Nevertheless, they cannot afford to underestimate Sao Tome and Principe. A potential slip-up could jeopardise their position at the top, as Guinea Bissau, set to face Sierra Leone in their final fixture, is breathing down their necks.

The Super Eagles' camp is scheduled to open on September 6.

Full list of players invited for the Sao Tome and Principe game

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany).