Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing back goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and striker Paul Onuachu, while Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare have been dropped.
The list consists of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards for the tournament scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Chelle’s final selection includes several first-time call-ups across key areas of the team.
In defence, Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers and Igoh Ogbu of Slavia Prague have been handed their first AFCON opportunities.
The midfield gets a boost with Ebenezer Akinsanmiro of Inter Milan, Usman Muhammed (Israel), and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi joining the group.
Up front, Croatia-based forward Lawal Salim Fago earns his debut call-up.
Uzoho, who last represented the national team in March 2024, returns to compete with Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United—whose fitness remains uncertain—and Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey is set for his second AFCON appearance, lining up alongside regulars such as Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi.
The midfield retains an experienced core: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika.
Nigeria’s attack will once again be led by Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.
Cyriel Dessers keeps his place, while Onuachu returns after a strong run of club form in Turkey.
Nigeria will compete in Group C, alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to hold a pre-AFCON training camp in Egypt and may face the Egyptian national team in an unofficial friendly on December 16.
Dec 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania — Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès
Dec 27: Nigeria vs Tunisia — Fès
Dec 31: Nigeria vs Uganda — Fès
The group’s other fixtures will take place in Rabat.
Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast, will be aiming to secure their fourth continental title, having previously won the tournament in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
