Nwabali Makes Nigeria’s Final AFCON Squad as Okoye Misses Out

Nigeria has named its final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Stanley Nwabali making the list despite concerns over his recent injury. The Chippa United goalkeeper, who missed three straight league games, keeps his spot after featuring in the World Cup playoffs in November.

Francis Uzoho also returns to the squad following improved form at Omonia Nicosia, where he kept “one clean sheet” and conceded just two goals in his last three Conference League matches. He will compete for the No. 1 shirt alongside Nwabali and Amos Obasogie.

The major talking point is the exclusion of Udinese keeper Maduka Okoye, who many expected to return after his resurgence. Since coming back from a betting-related suspension, he delivered two clean sheets in eight Serie A games.

Nigeria will battle Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C, opening against Tanzania on December 23.