Chelle Makes Big Calls as Nigeria Unveils Final 2025 AFCON Squad
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially unveiled their final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with Head Coach Eric Chelle making several bold selections and notable omissions as the three-time champions target a historic fourth continental title. The list, released just ten days before the tournament’s kickoff, balances experienced regulars with a contingent of fresh, untested talent.
The team’s attack will be led, as expected, by the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), who is joined by the goal-scoring hero of the last AFCON, Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC). Other key forwards include Moses Simon (Paris FC), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC), and a significant recall for the towering striker Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), who returns to the national setup after a period of absence.
Goalkeeping Controversy and Key Absences
Perhaps the biggest talking point is the goalkeeping selection. Despite fitness concerns surrounding first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), he has been included in the final three. His selection is paired with the return of Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), who is back in the fold after a year-long absence from the national team.
However, the major surprise is the omission of Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC), who has been enjoying a strong run of consistent first-team action in Europe’s top flight. Coach Chelle also notably overlooked the prolific club form of strikers Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen) and Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest), along with the experienced Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic). The retirement of long-time defensive leader and captain William Troost-Ekong also marks the start of a new defensive era.
Core Strength and Rising Stars
The backbone of the team remains strong, with the midfield anchored by the influential duo of Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC) and Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), alongside the creative prowess of Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC).
The defense is solidified by the inclusion of Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), and Zaidu Sanusi (Porto FC). Chelle has also signaled a focus on the future, handing first-ever major tournament call-ups to several young players, including defender Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan), and forward Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961).
Nigeria is set to compete in Group C, kicking off their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia and Uganda. The squad will hold a preparatory training camp in Cairo, Egypt, before flying to Fès for their group stage fixtures.
The Final 28-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, 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 (Porto FC, 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 (Hatayspor, Turkey), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan, Italy), Usman Muhammed (Ashdod FC, Israel).
Forwards
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers FC, Scotland), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia).
