Coach Eric Chelle names 28-man Super Eagles AFCON 2025 squad as Nigeria prepares for Morocco, with new call-ups and returning stars

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

Also read: Chelle Names 54-Man Super Eagles AFCON 2025 Squad

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards.

Surprise omissions from the final list include Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Wolverhampton striker Tolu Arokodare.

Meanwhile, Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu return to the national team after over a year’s absence.

Several new faces feature across defence, midfield, and attack.

In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu make the squad.

Midfield inclusions are Inter Milan’s Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Israel-based Usman Muhammed, and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi.

Attack sees Croatia-based forward Lawal Salim Fago called up.

The goalkeeping department is led by returning Uzoho, joined by Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, whose fitness remains uncertain, and Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars in Tanzania.

Established defenders include Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi.

Key midfielders are Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika.

Up front, Victor Osimhen leads the line, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.

Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers retains his place despite criticism over form, while Onuachu earns his first call-up under Chelle.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès, face Tunisia in a marquee clash on December 27, and conclude group action against Uganda on December 31.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee has urged the squad to move past the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and focus on securing a fourth continental title.

Nigeria were runners-up at the previous AFCON, losing 2–1 to Ivory Coast, and previously won the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

Also read: Victor Osimhen best striker in world, says Eric Chelle

As part of preparations, the Eagles will hold a training camp in Egypt, including an expected friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16.