Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle announced his final list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards for the event set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
Omonia’s Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu are back in Nigeria’s national team, while Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare have been excluded from the Super Eagles’ final 28-man list.
A number of fresh players have been added by Chelle to the team, enhancing the choices in defense, midfield, and forward positions.
In the defense, Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers receives his initial call-up, while Igoh Ogbu from Slavia Prague also joins the team as a new central defender.
The midfield area receives additional support, as Inter Milan’s young talent and Remo Stars Academy alumnus Ebenezer Akinsanmiro joins alongside Usman Muhammed from Israel and former Flying Eagles standout Tochukwu Nnadi.
In the attacking lineup, the Croatia-based forward and former Flying Eagles player Lawal Salim Fago is the newest addition.
Uzoho, who last played for the squad in March 2024, rejoins the goalkeeping group and will collaborate with Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali—whose involvement is uncertain due to fitness issues—while Amas Obasogie from Singida Black Stars rounds out the trio.
In defense, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey is poised for his second AFCON appearance. He will join prominent names like Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Porto’s full-back Zaidu Sanusi.
Within the group of midfielders, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika constitute the seasoned foundation of the eight-member team.
At the forefront, Victor Osimhen leads the offense, backed by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and the Sevilla duo of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Cyriel Dessers from Panathinaikos retains his position, while Onuachu receives his initial call-up under Chelle after his impressive performance in Turkey.
Nigeria is set to participate in Group C of the tournament, facing off against Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
In preparation for the AFCON, the Super Eagles are set to hold a pre-tournament camp in Egypt and are anticipated to face the Pharaohs in an unofficial friendly match on December 16.
The team will begin their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia will take on Uganda on the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.
The highlight match in the group is set for December 27, as Nigeria faces Tunisia in Fès, while Uganda competes against Tanzania at the same time in Rabat.
Group C will wrap up on December 31 as Nigeria faces Uganda in Fès, while Tunisia and Tanzania compete in their last group match in Rabat.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the previous AFCON after losing 2–1 to the hosts, Ivory Coast, will strive for their fourth continental championship, having won it in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
