Iroha says Nigeria have potential to claim fourth AFCON title in Morocco

Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha has backed the squad named by coach Eric Chelle to return home with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

On Tuesday, the Malian coach announced a 54-man preliminary squad for the AFCON, signalling fierce competition for places as the Super Eagles prepare for the 35th edition of the biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Nigeria’s squad has all the stars in it with the striking area headlined by two African Footballer of the Year winners: Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024).

Others in the striking area include; Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Nathan Tella and others pushing for final selection.

Chelle has also opened the door for new attacking prospects: Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Ekeson Okorie and Chisom Orji, each hoping to force their way into the final 28.

Nigeria has what it takes to deliver AFCON title

“I’ve seen the list. It is not a bad one. The coach will still have to prune it down to 23 players for the tournament,” Iroha, a winner of the AFCON title in Tunisia in 1994, said as quoted by Completesports.com.

“One thing is very clear: Nigeria is very rich in talent production. Except for maybe one or two players who are still plying their trade in the domestic league (NPFL), the rest are in top leagues across Europe.

“So, the talent, quality and experience are there. What is needed now is hard work, organisation and good planning. With proper preparation and the right selection, this team has what it takes to deliver the AFCON title in Morocco.

“Of course, the AFCON title will be the only acceptable compensation for Nigerians after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team showed renewed vigour in the latter stages of the qualifiers. If they replicate that form at the AFCON — and possibly improve on it — Nigerians will have cause to be happy at the end of the tournament.”

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will start their campaign against Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23 before returning to action for matchday two against the Carthage Eagles on December 27.

Nigeria’s final group fixture be against the Cranes of Uganda on December 30.

Nigeria’s preliminary squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye.

Defenders: Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Attackers: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago.