AFCON 2025: Chelle names 28-man Super Eagles squad as big calls raise fresh questions

Eric Chelle has settled on the 28 players he believes can take the Super Eagles through a complicated AFCON campaign in Morocco, and the final sheet leaves no shortage of talking points.

The biggest headline is in goal, Francis Uzoho, absent for a full year and yet to feature under Chelle, is back in the squad. Maduka Okoye, the only Nigerian keeper playing regular top-flight football in Europe this season and widely expected to contest the no.1 spot, has been left out entirely.

The rest of the list shows a blend of senior figures and a wave of younger players stepping into a major tournament for the first time. Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi form the leadership spine, but Chelle has also gone for emerging names from the youth ranks, pushing the group in a younger, more dynamic direction.

It signals a coach prepared to gamble, but also one conscious that Nigeria arrives at this AFCON needing a reset after missing the World Cup.

Several of the new selections will generate debate. Some have never played a senior minute for Nigeria. Others have barely trained with the squad..

Rather inexperienced squad for Nigeria’s fourth AFCON chase

Chelle has handed AFCON debuts to nine players, including Muhammad Usman, Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Amas Obasogie, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsamiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams and Salim Fago. 

Four of them have never previously played for the Super Eagles, making Morocco their introduction to senior international football. It is a bold move that increases internal competition but also tests cohesion in a tournament where rhythm is everything.

What raises eyebrows further is the group left out. Okoye, the only keeper with consistent European minutes; Arokodare, often involved under Chelle; and Alhassan Yusuf, one of Nigeria’s most mobile midfielders, all miss out. It is the clearest indication that the coach prioritised players who fit his immediate structure rather than those with longer-standing roles in the squad.

Below is the full 28-man squad released for AFCON 2025.

Goalkeepers

Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United; Francis Uzoho – Omonoia; Amas Obasogie – Singida Black Stars

Defenders

Calvin Bassey – Fulham; Semi Ajayi – Hull City; Chidozie Awaziem – Nantes; Igoh Ogbu – Slavia Prague; Bright Osayi-Samuel – Birmingham; Ryan Alebiosu – Blackburn; Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiakos; Zaidu Sanusi – FC Porto

Midfielders

Alex Iwobi – Fulham; Frank Onyeka – Brentford; Muhammad Usman – Ironi Tiberias; Wilfred Ndidi – Besiktas; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Lazio; Raphael Onyedika – Club Brugge; Ebenezer Akinsamiro – Pisa; Tochukwu Nnadi – Zulte Waregem

Forwards

Ademola Lookman – Atalanta; Samuel Chukwueze – AC Milan; Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray; Moses Simon – Paris FC; Cyriel Dessers – Panathinaikos; Akor Adams – Sevilla; Chidera Ejuke – Sevilla; Paul Onuachu – Trabzonspor; Salim Fago – NK Istra