Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has announced the 28-man squad for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The biggest talking point is the absence of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was not selected even though he is fully fit.
Chelle included several new players including Ryan Alebiosu and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.
Alebiosu has been in good form for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship where he has played nineteen matches as a right back or right wing back.
Fago Lawal also earned a call up after a strong season with NK Istra 1961 in Croatia. He plays for NK Istra 1961 and has four goals and two assists in sixteen league matches.
His record this season is five goals and two assists in seventeen matches.
Another new player is Tochukwu Nnadi who has made fifteen appearances for SV Zulte Waregem in the second division in Belgium.
Full Squad
GOALKEEPERS
Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie
DEFENDERS
Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi Samuel, Ryan Alebiosu
MIDFIELDERS
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Muhammed Usman, Alex Iwobi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi
FORWARDS
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Salim Fago, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu
Super Eagles official squad list for the 2025 AFCON is OUT! 🇳🇬🦅🔥
✅ Francis Uzoho makes a big return to the squad.
✅ Two U20 sensations — Salim Fugo and Tochukwu Nnadi — are included.❌ No Maduka Okoye.
❌ No Tolu Arokodare.
❌ No Victor Boniface.
❌ No Taiwo Awoniyi.All… pic.twitter.com/D9BfRm8YOd
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) December 11, 2025
Francis Uzoho has been recalled even though he has played only three matches this season and has spent most of the campaign on the bench.
Paul Onuachu returns on merit. He is in excellent form and he is the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with eleven goals.
Eric Chelle is expected to help Nigeria win the AFCON after the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Also read: Victor Osimhen’s European Streak Ends in Monaco
The outcome of the tournament will play an important role in determining his long term future as the manager of the Super Eagles.
