Chelle Unveils 28-Man AFCON Squad as New Faces Join Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has released Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with several surprises in his final selection. The list includes trusted names like Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman.

Chelle also named Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. There are notable returns for Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, and striker Paul Onuachu.

The biggest talking points are the absences of Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye, and Kelechi Iheanacho, while several newcomers have been handed their first call-ups. England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi, as well as Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal, will join the senior team for the first time.

Nigeria will play Egypt in a friendly on December 16 at Cairo Stadium before heading to Fès for their AFCON Group C matches. The Super Eagles face Tanzania on December 23, Tunisia on December 27, and Uganda on December 30.