Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed a robust 28-man lineup for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman at the forefront of a squad teeming with offensive talent.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the last AFCON, are set to commence their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia and Uganda, as they aim for swift passage to the knockout phase.
Chelle’s roster emphasizes Nigeria’s formidable attacking depth, featuring nine forwards, including the acclaimed African talents Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Lookman (Atalanta).
In an unexpected decision, Bundesliga forward Victor Boniface has been excluded, and new Wolves signee Tolu Arokodare is also absent. Despite the plethora of attacking options, Fulham’s Samuel Chukwueze, who recently scored twice against Manchester City, has earned his place.
The attacking force is further enhanced by Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Chidera Ejuke.
The midfield showcases a blend of Premier League experience and emerging European talent, with Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka offering seasoned expertise, while Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru fortify the team’s core.
In defense, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi make their return, joined by promising Blackburn full-back Ryan Alebiosu.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, currently sidelined at Chippa United, has been selected and is expected to return during the group stage.
Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie accompany him.
Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 and reached the final in 2024 in Ivory Coast.
With Chelle’s squad offering a mix of experience, depth, and star power, expectations are high as the Super Eagles gear up for a warm-up match against Egypt on December 16 before heading to Fes for their group fixtures.
FULL NIGERIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)
Defenders
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)
