AFCON 2025: Chelle names 28-man squad

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has announced a 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled to kick off in 10 days

The squad features goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, among others.

Chelle also included defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses.

Notable returns to the squad include Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and forward Paul Onuachu. New additions joining for the first time are England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed (Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Italy), Tochukwu Nnadi (Belgium), and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

Before departing for Morocco, the Super Eagles will face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, then travel to Fès, where they will compete in Group C. Nigeria will open their group campaign against Tanzania on December 23, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.

Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:

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

Defenders:

• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
• Oluwasemilogo 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)
• Simon Moses (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)