Nigeria Name Final 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025 as Osimhen and Lookman Lead the Charge

Nigeria have officially confirmed their final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headlining a Super Eagles group packed with attacking quality but not without controversy.

Head coach Eric Chelle has trimmed his provisional list down significantly, and while many of the core names from Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final in Côte d’Ivoire remain, a number of surprise omissions and bold inclusions have ensured the announcement has sparked debate among fans.

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Goalkeepers

The biggest talking point is the exclusion of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Despite returning to regular action in Serie A and producing a string of solid performances in recent weeks, the German-born shot-stopper has been left out, with Chelle instead opting to recall Francis Uzoho. The Omonia goalkeeper joins Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie as Nigeria’s three options between the sticks. Nwabali, who was outstanding during AFCON 2023, has been included despite recent injury concerns at club level, underlining the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.

Midfield & Defence

Midfield responsibilities will fall largely on familiar names. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka provide experience and balance, supported by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi form the backbone, although Nigeria will have to cope without long-time captain William Troost-Ekong following his recent retirement from international football.

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Forwards

In attack, however, there is no shortage of firepower. Osimhen arrives as Nigeria’s talisman once again, while Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, is expected to play a central role after his decisive impact at the last tournament. They are joined by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams and Salim Fago Lawal, giving Nigeria one of the deepest forward lines at the competition.

New Faces

The squad also includes several fresh faces. Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu earns his first senior tournament call-up after switching allegiance from England, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed and Salim Fago Lawal are all set for their AFCON debuts. It is a clear signal that Chelle is prepared to inject new energy into the group, even with the pressures that come with a major tournament.

Schedule

Nigeria will play all three Group C matches in Fès, opening their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23 before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30. A pre-tournament friendly against Egypt in Cairo on December 16 will offer Chelle a final opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.

Expectations remain high. As runners-up at the last AFCON and three-time champions, the Super Eagles arrive in Morocco knowing that only a deep run will satisfy supporters, even as this squad signals a subtle shift towards a younger, more transitional era.

Full Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
• Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)

Defenders

• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
• Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
• Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
• Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)
• Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders

• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
• Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
• Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
• Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards

• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
• Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
• Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
• Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
• Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
• Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
• Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)

AFCON 2025 is almost here! Bet on Nigeria’s opening clash against Tanzania on Dec 23 at Bet9ja now.