Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with several high-profile omissions and a few surprise inclusions ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on 21 December.
The biggest talking point is the exclusion of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, despite his impressive return to form after a match-fixing suspension. His omission clears the path for Stanley Nwabali, whose AFCON fitness had been uncertain following ankle and hand injuries highlighted earlier this week by his club coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi.
Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho are also missing from the final squad, while Paul Onuachu makes a dramatic return to the national team after a lengthy absence. His recall adds experience to Nigeria’s frontline as the team prepares for a challenging Group C campaign.
Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro receives his first-ever call-up and joins a strong roster featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey—players who form the core of Nigeria’s AFCON ambitions.
The Super Eagles will hold a tune-up match against Egypt on 16 December, with all invited players expected to report to camp a day before. The warm-up fixture is seen as a key opportunity for Chelle to finalise his tactical setup.
Nigeria will face Tanzania in their opening match on 23 December, followed by Tunisia on 27 December, before rounding off the group stage against Uganda on 30 December as they chase a fourth continental title.
The complete list of 28 selected players includes three goalkeepers, 11 defenders, nine midfielders and five forwards—positioned to offer depth and adaptability as the Super Eagles head into AFCON 2025 with renewed expectations.
