Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the competition set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco.
The list features a blend of established stars and fresh faces, following the trimming of the earlier 54-man provisional squad.
One of the biggest talking points is the omission of Maduka Okoye despite his recent resurgence at Udinese after serving a suspension related to a match-fixing scandal. His exclusion clears the path for Stanley Nwabali, who retains his place despite battling ankle and hand injuries.
Nwabali’s fitness had been a concern after Chippa United head coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, confirmed on Monday that the goalkeeper was nursing injuries and might struggle to be fully fit for AFCON.
Meanwhile, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Kelechi Iheanacho have all been dropped from the final squad, while Paul Onuachu returns to the national team after a lengthy absence.
Teenage midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro receives his first senior call-up, joining a strong midfield and attacking lineup that includes Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, and Wilfred Ndidi.
The Super Eagles will face Egypt in a warm-up match on December 16, with players expected to report to camp a day earlier.
Nigeria will compete in Group C, alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. The Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, take on Tunisia four days later, and close the group stage against Uganda on December 30.
Nigeria’s Final 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)
