Abuja, Nigeria – December 12, 2025 – Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has officially released Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco, trimming his provisional 54-man list to the CAF-required size exactly nine days before the tournament begins. The Franco-Malian tactician, taking charge of his first major competition since his appointment, has assembled a formidable blend of proven AFCON performers, returning heavyweights, and exciting new talent determined to bring the trophy back to Nigeria for the first time since 2013.
The squad announcement comes on the heels of a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualification exit at the hands of DR Congo last month, but expectations remain sky-high. Drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and debutants Tanzania, the three-time champions are considered among the top contenders on a continent where Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt also harbour strong ambitions.
Leading the charge is Galatasaray striker and reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, who headlines an electrifying attacking department. He is joined by Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman — winner of the 2024 African Player of the Year award — Nantes winger Moses Simon, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) and Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), both absent from recent national team duty, make welcome returns, while Lille’s Akor Adams and Croatian-based youngster Salim Fago Lawal complete a nine-man forward line brimming with goals and versatility.
In goal, Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali has recovered from a serious ankle and hand injury sustained in the World Cup playoff to retain his place as first choice. He is backed by Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus) and Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), with Udinese’s Maduka Okoye the most high-profile omission despite excellent Serie A form.
The defence is built around Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and West Bromwich Albion’s Semi Ajayi, with Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi, Nantes’ Chidozie Awaziem, and Antalyaspor’s Bright Osayi-Samuel providing experience. Youngsters Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) and Ryan Alebiosu (QPR) earn maiden call-ups, while Ola Aina misses out through injury.
Midfield offers a perfect mix of steel and silk: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), and Alex Iwobi (Fulham) form the engine room, supported by Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Pisa’s Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Belgian-based duo Tochukwu Nnadi and Usman Muhammed.
Full 28-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)
Defenders
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Antalyaspor, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista, Portugal)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Ryan Alebiosu (Queens Park Rangers, 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 (AC Milan, Italy)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
Akor Adams (Lille, France)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
The Super Eagles will assemble in Abuja before travelling to Cairo for a high-profile friendly against Egypt on December 16, after which they will set up final camp in Fès. Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign begins on December 23 against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia (December 27) and Uganda (December 30).
With a squad boasting depth, quality, and hunger, Coach Eric Chelle has sent a clear message: the Super Eagles are coming to Morocco not just to compete — but to win.
