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AFCON 2025: Chelle names Osimhen, Nwabali, 25 others in final Super Eagles squad
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco, with key stars Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Stanley Nwabali included.
The list came after last week’s provisional 54-man squad, trimmed to meet tournament roster requirements.
Former captain, William Troost-Ekong, is absent following his retirement from international football, while Ola Aina misses out due to injury.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and striker Tolu Arokodare are among other notable omissions.
Stanley Nwabali, previously doubtful due to hand and ankle injuries, has been cleared to join the squad.
He will be part of the goalkeeping lineup alongside Amas Obasogie and the returning Francis Uzoho.
With Troost-Ekong retired, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey takes on the leadership role in defence.
The backline also features Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and newly invited right-back Ryan Alebiosu.
Wilfred Ndidi, who has recently captained the national team, leads the midfield. He is joined by Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returns from injury, while young Serie A talent Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earns his first senior call-up. Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi also feature as new additions.
The attacking unit is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers return, with Sevilla’s Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke also included.
The forward line sees one newcomer, 22-year-old NK Istra 1961 striker Salim Fago Lawal, who has six goals and two assists in 18 matches this season.
The Super Eagles will begin preparations in Egypt with a friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16 before heading to Morocco for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21.
Nigeria is drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, opening their campaign against Tanzania in Fes on December 23.
Nigeria Final Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)
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 (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium).
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy);
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain);
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey);
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece).
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