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| Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad |
Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON squad 2025: 28-man list (Osimhen, Lookman headline), 5 debutants (Alebiosu, Akinsanmiro), exclusions (Okoye, Arokodare), Group C fixtures, Chelle strategy—full guide
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 approaches in Morocco, excitement builds around the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON squad, a 28-man team blending proven stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman with fresh talents under coach Eric Chelle. Announced on December 11, 2025, this squad—featuring five debutants and notable returns like Paul Onuachu—aims to reclaim glory after the 2023 final loss, with Group C clashes against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda starting December 23. In a tournament delayed to December 2025–January 2026 due to scheduling, Nigeria's three-time champions seek their fourth title amid high expectations. This exhaustive guide covers the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON squad, full player list, positions, key inclusions/exclusions, coach strategy, group fixtures, and predictions—your definitive resource for the Super Eagles' 2025-2026 campaign.
From Osimhen's firepower to uncapped prospects, explore the team poised to soar in Morocco.
Announcement of the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad (December 11, 2025)
The Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON squad was unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on December 11, 2025, with head coach Eric Chelle selecting 28 players from a 54-man provisional list. The squad mixes Premier League regulars, European talents, and five maiden call-ups, reflecting Chelle's youth infusion strategy post-World Cup qualification failure.
Key details:
- Total Players: 28 (3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, 9 forwards).
- Notable Returns: Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Francis Uzoho.
- Debutants: Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Salim Fago Lawal, Tochukwu Nnadi.
- Captain: Wilfred Ndidi (following Troost-Ekong's retirement).
NFF statement emphasized redemption after 2023 final loss. Official NFF announcement NFF Super Eagles Squad.
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Full Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad List: Players by Position
The Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON squad features a balanced mix, with depth in attack and emerging midfielders.
Goalkeepers (3)
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders (8)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
- Semi 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) — debutant
Midfielders (8)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
- Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey) — captain
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium) — debutant
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
- Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy) — debutant
- Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel) — debutant
Forwards (9)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan/Fulham loan, Italy/England)
- Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
- Akor Adams (Montpelliers, France)
- Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland)
- Paul Onuachu (Samsunspor, Turkey)
- Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
- Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia) — debutant
Complete list from CAF CAF Nigeria Squad.
Key Inclusions and Debutants in the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad
Five uncapped players highlight Chelle's bold youth injection.
Debutants:
- Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers): England-born wing-back switched allegiance.
- Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC): Inter Milan youth product.
- Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias): Experienced midfielder.
- Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem): Physical U20 graduate.
- Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra): Croatian-based striker.
These add depth amid injuries/retirements. Pulse Sports on new faces Pulse Sports New Faces.
Notable Exclusions from the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad
Several regulars missed out, sparking debate.
Exclusions:
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese): Dropped despite form.
- Tolu Arokodare (Genk): Surprise omission.
- William Troost-Ekong: Retired post-World Cup failure.
- Victor Boniface, Ola Aina: Form/injury concerns.
- Alhassan Yusuf: Overlooked despite consistency.
Chelle prioritized balance. Legit.ng exclusions Legit.ng Absentees.
Coach Eric Chelle's Strategy for the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad
Chelle, appointed 2025, blends youth with experience for a compact, counter-attacking style.
Strategy:
- Attack Heavy: 9 forwards for firepower (Osimhen-Lookman core).
- Midfield Depth: Ndidi-Onyeka anchor; youth for energy.
- Defense: Bassey leads post-Troost-Ekong.
- Captain: Ndidi for leadership.
2026 vision: Rebuild after WC miss. Guardian on Chelle Guardian Chelle Squad.
Group Stage Fixtures and Nigeria's Path in AFCON 2025
Nigeria in Group C—challenging but winnable.
Fixtures:
- December 23 vs Tanzania (Fès).
- December 27 vs Tunisia (Fès).
- December 30 vs Uganda (Fès).
Top 2 advance; best third-placed. Friendly vs Egypt December 16. CAF fixtures CAF AFCON Schedule.
Preparation and Camp for the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad
Camp opens December 10 in Egypt; friendly vs Egypt December 16.
Prep:
- Training: Cairo base for tactics.
- Injuries: Nwabali recovering; monitored.
- Team Spirit: Chelle emphasizes unity post-WC.
Predictions and Expectations for Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Squad
Nigeria favored for semis; title contenders with Osimhen-Lookman.
Strengths:
- Attack: Top-scoring potential.
- Experience: 2023 finalists core.
Challenges:
- Defense: Post-Troost-Ekong rebuild.
- Form: Recent inconsistencies.
Odds: 5/1 for title (Bet365). Soccernet predictions Soccernet Nigeria AFCON.
The Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON squad—28 strong with stars and debutants—gears up for Morocco glory under Chelle.
Follow @NGSuperEagles on X for live camp updates—Naija, let's win!
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