Nigeria have rolled out a squad so stacked with talent it could pass for an all-star exhibition team, as head coach Eric Chelle confirmed his 28-man roster for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Eagles, fresh off their runner-up finish in 2024, will launch their Group C campaign on 23 December against Tanzania before locking horns with Tunisia and Uganda.
With the tournament’s generous qualification format, top two go through, plus four of the best third-placed teams, Nigeria practically arrive with one foot in the knockouts.
Osimhen, Lookman and frontline nobody wants to defend against
Chelle has clearly made his intentions public: score goals, score more goals, then score again for good measure.
Nine, yes, nine, forwards make the final cut, led by African football royalty Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, a pair of defenders across the continent would very much like to avoid. The biggest shocker? The notable absence of Bundesliga sharpshooter Victor Boniface, whose omission has raised eyebrows and heart rates in equal measure. New Wolves recruit Tolu Arokodare also sits this one out.
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Yet despite the drama, Samuel Chukwueze, fresh from a statement brace against Manchester City, keeps his place. Add Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Chidera Ejuke, and you’ve got enough firepower to light up four tournaments.
Midfield: steel, experience and sprinkle of flair
Nigeria’s midfield is a neat blend of grit and guile. Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka bring Premier League seasoning; Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru add structure and bite.
Rising talents like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi complement the group, while Usman Muhammed arrives from Israel to round out the options.
Defence: familiar faces and fresh blood
The backline sees the return of experienced campaigners Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi.
They’re joined by newcomers, including Blackburn Rovers full-back Ryan Alebiosu, who continues his upward climb after a breakout year in the Championship.
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Nwabali selected despite injury concerns
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, still recovering at Chippa United, has been named regardless, with the technical staff confident he’ll be fit before the group stage is over.
Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie provide backup should recovery take longer than anticipated.
Is a fourth title loading?
Nigeria last tasted AFCON glory in 2013 and have been chasing a fourth crown ever since.
With experience, depth, and elite-level star power across the pitch, Chelle’s squad enters Morocco with the weight of both expectation and possibility.
The Eagles warm up against Egypt on 16 December before flying out to Fes to begin another continental charge.
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FULL SQUAD
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)
Meet your Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.#Naija4TheWin #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/dR75UMWqBK
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 12, 2025
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).
