Eric Chelle Names 28-Man Super Eagles Squad for AFCON 2025 as Nigeria Set for Morocco Battle

Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has unveiled his 28-man Nigeria’s senior men’s national team squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with the tournament kicking off in Morocco in just 10 days. The Franco-Malian tactician has selected a blend of experience, returning stars, and exciting newcomers as Nigeria aims for a fourth continental crown.

Chelle has opted for trusted names across all departments, led by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfield duo Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Also included are dependable options such as Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

There are notable returns, with Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho earning a recall, alongside defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu.

Five players have been handed their first senior tournament call-ups: England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu; midfielders Usman Muhammed (Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Italy), and Tochukwu Nnadi (Belgium); and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

Pre-AFCON Schedule

As part of their final preparations, Nigeria will face record champions Egypt in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, 16 December. The team will then fly directly from Cairo to Fès—host city for their Group C fixtures.

The Super Eagles open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23 December, before taking on Tunisia on 27 December and completing the group phase against Uganda on 30 December.

Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)

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);
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium);
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy);
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy);
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy);
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England);
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey);
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France);
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain);
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain);
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey);
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece);
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio