Top Stars Missing as Chelle Names Final Nigeria Squad for 2025 AFCON

Posted : 12 December 2025

Some regular Super Eagles players will miss the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as coach Eric Chelle announces the final squad. Among the notable absences are injured right-back Ola Aina, captain Williams Troost-Ekong, who recently retired, and second-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Despite these gaps, Chelle has named a strong 28-man roster for the tournament, which begins in ten days. The squad includes goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, as well as forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, among 20 others.

The squad also features defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon. Returning players include Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, and Paul Onuachu. Several players join the national team for the first time, including Ryan Alebiosu, Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Salim Fago Lawal.

Ahead of the tournament, the Super Eagles will face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo Stadium on December 16. Two days later, the team will fly to Fès, Morocco, where they will play their Group C matches. Nigeria opens the group stage against Tanzania on December 23, followed by fixtures against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi 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 AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

Top Stars Missing as Chelle Names Final Nigeria Squad for 2025 AFCON

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