Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing back goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and striker Paul Onuachu, while dropping Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare.
The squad list, released on Thursday, features a blend of regulars, returnees and exciting fresh faces as Nigeria prepares for the tournament scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
Chelle named three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards, with notable reinforcements across all departments.
In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu receives his maiden call-up, joined by Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu, who breaks into the team after a strong year in Europe.
The midfield sees further depth with Inter Milan talent Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Israel-based Usman Muhammed, and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi all earning places.
Up front, Croatia-based forward Lawal Salim Fago is the latest new attacking option added to Chelle’s squad.
Uzoho, who last played for Nigeria in March 2024, returns to partner Stanley Nwabali—whose fitness is still being monitored—and Amas Obasogie in goal.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey leads the defensive line in what will be his second AFCON appearance. He is joined by Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi.
In midfield, Chelle has retained the trusted group of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika, who form the backbone of the team’s central options.
The forward line is stacked with attacking firepower, led by Victor Osimhen, along with Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers.
Onuachu’s recall marks his first involvement under Chelle, following an impressive scoring spell in Turkey.
Nigeria will compete in Group C, where they face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.
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The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON preparations with a training camp in Egypt and are expected to play an unofficial friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16.
Their tournament campaign kicks off on December 23 against Tanzania in Fès.
The group’s headline clash—Nigeria vs Tunisia—is set for December 27, also in Fès.
Group action wraps up on December 31, when Nigeria takes on Uganda, while Tunisia and Tanzania battle simultaneously in Rabat.
The three-time African champions head into the tournament aiming to go one better after finishing as runners-up at the last edition, where they lost 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.