Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has staged an unexpected comeback to the Super Eagles, while Maduka Okoye, who had been serving as backup to first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali, was excluded from Nigeria’s squad for AFCON 2025.
Another notable return is Paul Onuachu, whose impressive scoring run with Turkish side Trabzonspor earned him a recall.
The long-anticipated squad list was unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on its verified X account on Thursday night.
For the final roster, head coach Eric Chelle selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards for the tournament scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
The 28-man squad features a mix of tested regulars and promising newcomers as Nigeria prepares for the continental championship, which begins on December 21.
Among the notable omissions are Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Kelechi Iheanacho, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earned his maiden call-up.
Below is the full list released by the NFF:
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); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
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)
What You Should Know
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad marks a blend of experience and fresh talent, with Francis Uzoho returning and Maduka Okoye missing out.
Coach Eric Chelle’s 28-player selection shows a strategic shift, introducing new faces like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro while excluding big names such as Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho. Paul Onuachu’s recall rewards his strong club form, and the team heads to Morocco aiming for a competitive showing from December 21.
The squad announcement has stirred discussion among fans, especially regarding the surprising omissions and the balance of the team across all positions.
