Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, signalling the beginning of an intense battle for places ahead of next month’s continental finals.
The list which was released on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation, the provisional list presents a blend of established stars and emerging talents, showcasing Chelle’s dual approach: retain a strong core while assessing fresh options from both the local league and abroad.
The squad features several near-guaranteed selections, including captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Regular internationals like Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Chidera Ejuke also form the backbone.
Chelle’s list includes an impressive number of NPFL standouts such as Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke, who will fight for limited spots as CAF rules allow only 24–28 players for the final AFCON squad.
With most positions already boasting established names, players outside the core face a fierce contest to convince Chelle in training and pre-AFCON friendlies.
• Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Harcourt must outshine Nwabali and Okoye.
• Defenders Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu must prove consistency and tactical maturity.
• Midfielders like Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro are competing behind Ndidi, Iwobi and Onyedika.
• Strikers face the toughest competition: Paul Onuachu, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers are all jostling behind Osimhen.
The Super Eagles open camp in Egypt on December 10, followed by a high-profile friendly against Egypt on December 14 in Cairo. Nigeria must submit their final list by December 11.
The three-time African champions kick off their AFCON campaign in Group C against Tanzania, before facing Tunisia and Uganda. With a strong core and a long list of hopefuls, the coming days will determine who survives Chelle’s final cut as Nigeria chase a fourth continental crown.
