Nigeria’s preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken shape as head coach, Eric Chelle unveiled a 55-man preliminary squad, featuring a blend of established stars, in-form young talents, and standout performers from the NPFL.
One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, who receives a surprise early call-up among the goalkeepers.
Another major highlight is the selection of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the highly rated central midfielder currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan.
Akinsanmiro has been impressive in Serie A this season, registering an assist and multiple Man-of-the-Match displays in just 10 games.
In defense, Ryan Alebiosu earns his first-ever invitation to the national team after a commanding season with Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship, where the 23-year-old right-back has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers.
Home-based players also get their share of recognition, with NPFL talents Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors), Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (Niger Tornadoes), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), and Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves) all making the provisional squad.
The inclusion of these domestic-league players offers a strong statement about the depth of quality within Nigerian football.
Subsequently, the squad of 54 players will be trimmed down to between 23 and 27 players days before the tournament kicks off.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released the preliminary list for the 2025 AFCON. 🦅🇳🇬
Key highlights:
▪️ Five home-based players make the squad.
▪️ The Dele-Bashiru brothers are both included.
▪️ Victor Boniface, Francis Uzoho, and Taiwo Awoniyi return to the team.… pic.twitter.com/F0VWodpLL8— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) December 3, 2025
GOALKEEPERS
Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye
DEFENDERS
Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, Emmanuel Michael
MIDFIELDERS
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru
FORWARDS
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Nathan Tella, Rafiu Durosinmi, Philip Otele, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Adams Akor, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago.
Chelle’s List Criticized
Ex Nigeria international Sam Sodje has criticized the length, he stated:
“I don’t really understand the reason for the list, it’s confusing you call some regular players and new ones but I don’t understand the reason for the 54 man list. Why are you doing that? We have to be positive to see how we can go”.
Amas Gets Big Shot
Meanwhile, Amas Obasogie described the AFCON invitation as a big opportunity.
“I am very happy and honored to be among the provisional list, it’s an honour and I am very grateful to be among the team. I don’t take the opportunity for granted I went to thank the coach, we will make him proud by God’s grace. I know the coach is a nice man and I want to urge Nigerians to support the Super Eagles, by God’s grace we will bring the cup back home”.
The final squad is expected to be announced shortly before the start of AFCON 2025, as Nigeria aims to assemble a competitive team capable of challenging for the continental title.
