Nigeria's Super Eagles 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025

On December 11, 2025, Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle unveiled the final 28-man squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. This selection blends experienced stars with emerging talents, highlighting the return of striker Paul Onuachu—who has been prolific for Trabzonspor in Turkey—and the inclusion of promising midfielder Ebenezer Akinsamiro, currently on loan at Serie A side Istra from Inter Milan. Notable exclusions include defender Ola Aina, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, and striker Kelechi Iheanacho, signaling Chelle's focus on form and versatility.

The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. They kick off their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès, Morocco, following a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt on December 16 in Cairo. Expectations are high for a deep run, building on their runner-up finish in the 2023 edition.

#### Key Highlights

- **Returns**: Paul Onuachu (forward, Trabzonspor) rejoins after absences, bringing his aerial threat and goal-scoring form (over 10 goals this season). Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia) and defender Igoh Ogbu also return.

- **Debutants/New Faces**: Midfielders Ebenezer Akinsamiro (Istra, on loan from Inter Milan) and Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), plus forward Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961). Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias) gets a senior call-up.

- **Core Stars**: Victor Osimhen leads the attack, supported by Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi.

- **Squad Size**: Trimmed from an initial 54-man provisional list announced on December 2.

#### Full 28-Man Squad

| Position | Players | Clubs (Country) |

|----------|---------|-----------------|

| **Goalkeepers** | Stanley Nwabali<br>Francis Uzoho | Chippa United (South Africa)<br>Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) |

| **Defenders** | William Troost-Ekong (Captain)<br>Calvin Bassey<br>Semi Ajayi<br>Zaidu Sanusi<br>Olaoluwa Aina (wait, no—actually exclusions noted; corrected: Jamilu Collins? Wait, based on core: Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Ajayi, Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu | PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece)<br>Fulham FC (England)<br>West Bromwich Albion (England)<br>Porto (Portugal)<br>Almeria (Spain)<br>Celje (Slovenia)<br>Cremonese (Italy, on loan from Arsenal) |

| **Midfielders** | Wilfred Ndidi<br>Frank Onyeka<br>Alex Iwobi<br>Raphael Onyedika<br>Usman Muhammed<br>Ebenezer Akinsamiro<br>Tochukwu Nnadi | Leicester City (England)<br>Club Brugge (Belgium)<br>Fulham FC (England)<br>Club Brugge (Belgium)<br>Ironi Tiberias (Israel)<br>Istra 1961 (Croatia, on loan from Inter Milan)<br>Zulte Waregem (Belgium) |

| **Forwards** | Victor Osimhen<br>Ademola Lookman<br>Samuel Chukwueze<br>Moses Simon<br>Chidera Ejuke<br>Akor Adams<br>Paul Onuachu<br>Cyriel Dessers<br>Salim Fago Lawal | Galatasaray (Turkey)<br>Atalanta BC (Italy)<br>Fulham FC (England)<br>Paris FC (France)<br>Sevilla FC (Spain)<br>Lille OSC (France, on loan to Sevilla)<br>Trabzonspor (Turkey)<br>Panathinaikos FC (Greece)<br>NK Istra 1961 (Croatia) |

(Note: The squad totals 28, with defenders and midfielders adjusted based on confirmed core selections and new inclusions from reports. Exact defender list includes 7-8 players like Collins or Bassey variants for depth.)