Okoye Dropped, Uzoho Returns as Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Releases Final 28-Man Squad for 2025 AFCON

• Nigeria has unveiled its final 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, with stars like Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi, and Onyeka making the list, alongside surprise returns and four debutants.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released the final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off in Morocco in just 10 days.

The squad, announced on Thursday, features key midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s hunt for a fourth continental crown.

Chelle also retained important names such as Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi also made the final cut.

The list includes a sensational return for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and striker Paul Onuachu.

Four players will be making their first-ever appearance at a major senior tournament:

• Ryan Alebiosu (Defender)
• Usman Muhammed (Midfield)
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Midfield)
• Tochukwu Nnadi (Midfield)
• Salim Fago Lawal (Forward)

Notably missing from the squad are in-form goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, along with attackers Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Tolu Arokodare. No home-based NPFL player made the list.

Fixtures & Preparations

The Super Eagles will play a tune-up match against Egypt on 16 December in Cairo, following FIFA’s adjusted release-date rules. The match will allow both teams to use more than five substitutes.

From Cairo, the team will head to Fès on 18 December, where all group-stage matches will take place.

Nigeria opens its AFCON campaign on 23 December against Tanzania, followed by Tunisia on 27 December, and Uganda on 30 December.

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Group C has been described as highly unpredictable, with all four nations determined to secure knockout-round places.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali; Amas Obasogie; Francis Uzoho

Defenders:
Calvin Bassey; Semi Ajayi; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi; Chidozie Awaziem; Zaidu Sanusi; Igoh Ogbu; Ryan Alebiosu

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi; Frank Onyeka; Wilfred Ndidi; Raphael Onyedika; Tochukwu Nnadi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Ebenezer Akinsanmiro; Usman Muhammed

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Chidera Ejuke; Akor Adams; Paul Onuachu; Cyriel Dessers; Salim Fago Lawal