AFCON: Nigeria’s 28-man squad announced

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Eric Chelle, has unveiled the Super Eagles’ 28-man squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 

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​Chelle retained Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali despite reports of fitness issues. Defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi were also called up.

​Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka as well as forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman made Nigeria’s 28-man roster for the 35th AFCON, which starts in Morocco.

​Returning to the squad after a long absence are Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and Turkish Super Lig top scorer Paul Onuachu. Also named are England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy), and Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium).

​Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal is a new face in the group. Defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon complete the squad list.

​Notably absent from Chelle’s 28-man squad is goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was recently called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoffs in Morocco.

​The Super Eagles will clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly match at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, December 16th.

​The three-time champions take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23rd, before group C matches against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (December 27th) and Uganda’s Cranes (December 30th).

NIGERIA SQUAD FOR AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 2025

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); 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); Simon Moses (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)

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