Chelle Unveils 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria Head Coach, Eric Chelle has released a strong 28-man Super Eagles squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria set to begin their Morocco 2025 campaign in just 10 days.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali headlines the list alongside key returnees Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Also included are Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses.

Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu and Paul Onuachu return to the fold, while Ryan Alebiosu, Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Fago Lawal earn maiden call-ups.

The Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly at Cairo Stadium on 16th December, before flying to Fès to begin their AFCON campaign.

Nigeria will open Group C action against Tanzania on 23rd December, followed by Tunisia on the 27th and Uganda on the 30th.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo 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); 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, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)