Nigeria has announced its official 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and striker Paul Onuachu making notable returns, while several expected names — including Maduka Okoye and Victor Boniface — were left out.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled the list Thursday night through its verified X account, confirming the players selected by head coach Eric Chelle for the continental tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Uzoho’s recall marks a significant comeback for the Cyprus-based goalkeeper, who has been out of favour in recent international fixtures. His return comes at the expense of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who had recently served as backup to Stanley Nwabali.
Also earning a return is Trabzonspor forward Onuachu, whose impressive goalscoring form in Turkey appeared to influence his inclusion. Meanwhile, other high-profile omissions include Kelechi Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare.
One of the most eye-catching decisions in Chelle’s selection is the first-ever call-up for Ebenezer Akinsanmiro of Pisa SC, strengthening the midfield options ahead of the tournament.
The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards — a blend of established Super Eagles stars and emerging talents.
Nigeria will begin its campaign on December 21 as the team seeks to improve on recent international performances and chase a fourth continental title.
Below is the full squad list:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC 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); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
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