Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released his 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu making notable returns.
The announcement, which highlights several surprises, reinforces the theme of Full List: Chelle recalls Uzoho, Onuachu as Super Eagles squad drops Okoye, Boniface as the team prepares for the tournament in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Chelle unveiled three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards for the continental showdown. While the squad includes a number of fresh additions, it also confirms the exclusion of well-known names such as Maduka Okoye, Victor Boniface, and Tolu Arokodare, decisions that have generated strong reactions among fans.
The defence line sees maiden invitations for Blackburn Rovers full-back Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu, pointing to a strategic reinforcement of Nigeria’s backline.
In midfield, Inter Milan prospect Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, a product of Remo Stars Academy, earns a call-up alongside Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi.
Up front, Croatia-based striker Lawal Salim Fago receives his first senior invitation after an impressive rise through the youth ranks.
Below is the Full List: Chelle recalls Uzoho, Onuachu as Super Eagles squad drops Okoye, Boniface, as released on Wednesday:
Goalkeepers
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Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
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Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
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Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders
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Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
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Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England)
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Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
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Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
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Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)
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Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
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Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
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Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders
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Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
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Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
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Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
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Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
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Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
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Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy)
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Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards
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Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
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Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
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Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
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Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
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Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey)
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Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece)
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Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
The squad reflects Chelle’s blend of youth, form, and experience as Nigeria aims for a strong showing in Morocco.