Chelle Names Nwabali, Osimhen In 28-man Squad For AFCON 2025

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has named his 28-man Nigeria squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, set to kick off in Morocco in just ten days.

The squad sees the inclusion of first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who was currently nursing injury as well as star forward Victor Osimhen.

The Franco-Malian coach has opted for a blend of experienced internationals and promising newcomers.

The defensive line features familiar faces such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi, alongside Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Midfield stalwarts Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are joined by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika. Upfront, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will support Osimhen.

Notable returns to the Super Eagles fold include Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and forward Paul Onuachu.

Exciting new call-ups include England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed (Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Italy), and Tochukwu Nnadi (Belgium), as well as Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play a friendly against Egypt at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before flying to Fès, their Group C base, two days later.

The three-time champions will commence their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23rd December.

Subsequent group stage fixtures include clashes with Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27th and Uganda’s Cranes on 30th December.

28 SUPER EAGLES FOR AFCON

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus).

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England).

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

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