Super Eagles: Biggest omissions from 2025 AFCON squad & why they missed out

The release of the Super Eagles squad list for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) has naturally sparked debate, not just about who made the cut, but the notable names missing. 

Every tournament cycle brings surprise exclusions, yet this year’s choices feel sharper because competition for places has been fierce. The Super Eagles have added depth in several positions, and that reality has pushed a few familiar faces outside the frame.

Some of the absences were expected. A handful of players have struggled for minutes at club level since the start of the season, and the coaching crew has consistently leaned toward footballers with rhythm and regular action. Others were edged out by the rise of younger options, especially in midfield and attack, where the blend of energy and tactical discipline has become central to the way the team wants to operate.

Super Eagles AFCON squad: Major absences and the thinking behind them

Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare’s exclusion raised eyebrows, especially after breaking into the national team earlier in the year. He offered Eric Chelle a different profile upfront and chipped in two goals from his nine appearances. But his club situation worked against him.

Wolves’ change of manager has pushed him further down the pecking order, and he has managed only three starts in eleven Premier League outings. He remains without a league goal, with his only sparks coming in the EFL Cup where he has scored twice.

Chelle has always leaned toward players with rhythm, and with the player hinting he is willing to accept sitting out in order to learn, the lack of consistency at club level hurt the lanky forward’s chances.

Maduka Okoye

This might be the most surprising omission on the list. With first choice Stanley Nwabali still working his way back from injury, many expected Maduka Okoye to return as a key option heading into AFCON 2025.

Form isn’t the issue here; the 26-year-old has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable keepers in Europe this season. However, his omission is reportedly due to his decision to stay back and assist Udinese during a tight run, rather than sitting on the bench at the AFCON.

Just how true that is remains to be seen. 

Alhassan Yusuf

Yusuf’s name missing from the final squad left supporters puzzled. The midfielder put in a full shift for New England Revolution in the MLS season, racking up 34 league appearances and staying injury-free.

With the MLS currently in its off-season, club restrictions were never an issue. What has probably worked against him is his lack of minutes under Chelle. He has been in recent squads but hasn’t featured, and the emergence of new midfield options from Serie A and Belgium meant he slipped out of the picture at the wrong moment.

Terem Moffi

The exclusion of Terem Moffi comes as something of a surprise. Even though his goalscoring numbers for Nice have not been superb, he nevertheless offers the complete centre-forward package that has been sorely lacking at various times in the Super Eagles ranks.

In addition, there would have been no worries about his commitment or desire in light of his recent confrontation with fans of his Ligue 1 side, which has led him to take a leave of absence from the club.

Ultimately, however, it appears that Chelle is satisfied with Akor Adams’ contribution. The Sevilla man is himself not prolific, but he has had a chance to strut his stuff under the Malian, and so is more of a known quantity.