With just ten days to the kickoff of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has released a formidable 28-man squad expected to lead Nigeria’s charge for a fourth continental title.
The roster, unveiled on Thursday, features a blend of established stars, returning internationals, and exciting newcomers, signalling Chelle’s intent to build a competitive and dynamic team for the Morocco 2025 campaign.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who impressed at the last AFCON, tops the list of selected shot-stoppers alongside Amas Obasogie and returning Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
In defence, Chelle has called up trusted regulars Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi. Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi also retain their places, while Igoh Ogbu earns a recall after a strong club run. England-born defender Ryan Alebiosu is among the new faces making their tournament debut.
The midfield department features a healthy mix of experience and emerging talent. Premier League duo Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka return alongside Wilfred Ndidi, now plying his trade in Turkey. Young prospects Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, and Belgium-based Tochukwu Nnadi complete an industrious midfield line.
Upfront, reigning African stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the attacking lineup. They are joined by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Cyriel Dessers, and Paul Onuachu, who earns his first call-up under Chelle. Rising Croatian-based forward Salim Fago Lawal rounds out the forward selection.
The Super Eagles will intensify their preparations with a high-profile friendly against seven-time champions Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December. The match is expected to provide Chelle with a final opportunity to assess his tactics and player combinations.
Two days later, the team will depart Cairo aboard a chartered flight to Fès, where they will prosecute their Group C campaign.
Nigeria opens its AFCON account on 23rd December against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, before locking horns with familiar foes Tunisia on 27th December. The three-time champions will wrap up group action on 30th December against a resilient Ugandan Cranes side.
Full 28-Man Super Eagles Squad – Morocco 2025
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, 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 BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
The Super Eagles will be aiming to end a decade-long wait for continental glory, with the squad’s depth and balance offering renewed optimism ahead of the Morocco 2025 AFCON.
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