Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named Omonia shot-stopper Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu in Nigeria’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while leaving out Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare.
Chelle unveiled a 28-man list for the tournament, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards.
The squad features several fresh faces, with new options bolstering all departments of the team.
In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu received his maiden call-up, while Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu also made the cut.
The midfield has been reinforced with Inter Milan youngster and Remo Stars Academy graduate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, alongside Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi.
Up front, Croatia-based striker and ex-Flying Eagles forward Lawal Salim Fago is one of the new additions to Chelle’s attacking line-up.
Uzoho, who last featured for the country in March 2024, returns to the goalkeeping department alongside Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali—whose availability remains uncertain due to fitness concerns—and Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars.
In defence, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey is set for his second AFCON appearance, joining a familiar cast that includes Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi.
The midfield core remains anchored by Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, who form the experienced nucleus of the eight-man group.
In attack, Victor Osimhen leads the frontline, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.
Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos also retains his place, while Onuachu returns to the squad following an impressive run of form in Turkey.
Nigeria will compete in Group C, where they will face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. Before heading to Morocco, the team will camp in Egypt and are expected to play the Pharaohs in an unofficial friendly on December 16.
The Super Eagles will open their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, while Tunisia take on Uganda at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.
Nigeria’s headline group fixture against Tunisia is set for December 27 in Fès, with Uganda facing Tanzania simultaneously in Rabat.
Group C will wrap up on December 31, when Nigeria meet Uganda in Fès, and Tunisia play Tanzania in Rabat.
The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON following a 2–1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast, will be hoping to secure a fourth continental crown after past triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
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