Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled Nigeria’s final 28-player squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco.
The squad features a mix of established stars and fresh faces as the team prepares for the tournament.
Several players from the initial 54-man provisional list were omitted, with some surprises in the final selection.
The most notable shock is the exclusion of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and the inclusion of Stanley Nwabali. Okoye has recently returned to form for Udinese following a suspension linked to a match-fixing scandal, and many expected him to take the spot ahead of Nwabali, who has been struggling with ankle and hand injuries. Chippa United coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi confirmed concerns over Nwabali’s fitness ahead of the competition.
Other key omissions include Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Kelechi Iheanacho, while Paul Onuachu makes a return after a lengthy absence. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earns his first-ever call-up, joining seasoned internationals such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, and Wilfred Ndidi.
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Ahead of the tournament, the Super Eagles will face Egypt in a friendly match on December 16, with players expected to arrive a day earlier. Nigeria has been drawn into Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their first group match is against Tanzania on December 23, followed by a clash with Tunisia on December 27, and the final group game against Uganda on December 30.
Super Eagles Final 28-Man Squad – 2025 AFCON
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)