Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released a 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, opting for a mix of established stars, returning players, and several debutants ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Chelle confirmed Stanley Nwabali as lead goalkeeper, with defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi, midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman among the core of experienced players retained for the tournament.
Also making the cut are defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
The squad features notable returns for Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and towering striker Paul Onuachu. Chelle has also handed first-time call-ups to several promising players, including England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi, alongside Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.
The Super Eagles will step up preparations with an international friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs on Tuesday, 16th December, at the Cairo International Stadium. The team will then depart the Egyptian capital for Fès, their Group C base, two days later.
Nigeria will open its AFCON campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on 23rd December, before facing Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on 27th December and concluding the group phase against Uganda’s Cranes on 30th December.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi 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); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
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, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
