Francis Uzoho Returns as Chelle Names 28-Man Super Eagles Squad for AFCON 2025 in Morocco
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which begins on 21 December 2025.
The list confirms the return of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, while Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye has been left out. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali makes the team despite carrying ankle and hand injuries. In-form striker Paul Onuachu, who has been scoring regularly for Trabzonspor, also returns to the squad.
However, several big names have been dropped, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Chrisantus Uche, and Alhassan Yusuf.
Chelle has added fresh faces to the team, with defender Ryan Alebiosu and midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, and Tochukwu Nnadi all receiving call-ups. Forward Salim Fago Lawal also makes the squad. Once again, no home-based player made the final selection for the AFCON tournament.
The Super Eagles will play a friendly match against Egypt on 16 December at the Cairo Stadium before they fly to Fès for their Group C opener against Tanzania on 23 December.
Nigeria are grouped with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania as they aim to win a fourth continental title.
Super Eagles Squad – AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel), Tochukwu Nnadi (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece)
Nigeria will hold a training camp in Egypt before travelling to Morocco. Expectations are high as the three-time African champions look to bring home a fourth AFCON trophy.
