By Michael Madyira
The Nigeria national team has recalled Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Ndah was included in the Super Eagles squad on the same day the Nigeria Football Federation announced Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach.
Labbadia, a former Bayer Leverkusen trainer, replaces Finidi George and is now the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles.
The 58-year-old German takes on his first job outside his home country, coaching Nigeria as they aim to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Nigeria has had a challenging 2024 with three different coaches.
George, who followed Jose Peseiro, managed just two competitive matches.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign includes being in the same group as Bafana Bafana, with whom they drew 1-1 in June.
This result allowed South Africa to close the gap in Group C, where they currently sit in second place.
Nigeria will host Benin on 7 September, followed by an away match against Rwanda three days later.
Ndah, who last played for Nigeria in January 2022, was recalled after regaining form with Pirates during the second half of last season.
The 26-year-old has even captained Pirates during some pre-season games in Spain and the away CAF Champions League match against CS Disciples.
Also named in the Super Eagles squad is Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah just before the Buccaneers took on CS Disciples in the CAF Champions League.
Source: Mauritius Football Association
